Manchester United officially announced in January that Richard Arnold had been appointed as the club's CEO. Arnold was replacing the outgoing Ed Woodward, who held his position at Old Trafford for just under a decade.
Woodward was deeply unpopular among supporters and his departure was universally celebrated by fans. United have form for promoting from within the 'organisation' and Arnold, who previously held the position of group managing director, was chosen to succeed him.
Arnold and Woodward are known to be friends, the pair both graduated from Bristol University and they share the same background in finance. It seemed like United had appointed yet another Woodward. Arnold had to prove he was different to his predecessor, but he was immediately fighting a losing battle considering his history. Arnold was losing that battle until this weekend (he may well still be, but by a smaller margin).
ALSO READ: Richard Arnold meets United fans in pub to prevent Glazers protest
There had been positive noise from Arnold's first few months in charge. It's understood Arnold was aware of Woodward's mistakes and that he was laying the foundations for change, which included giving more power to football director John Murtough.
United have committed an extensive catalogue of errors in the transfer market over the last decade and Woodward is responsible for a large portion of those calamitous decisions. Woodward was hands-on and involved with transfers, but Arnold had the self-awareness to realise he wasn't qualified in that area. Murtough now has responsibility for transfers and Arnold deserves credit for that decision, though the jury is still out on United's inaugural football director.
Arnold said all the right things on a conference call with investors in March, expressing his disappointment at the season as he discussed the club's long-term strategy. Woodward had also spoken with conviction on such occasions - with the exception of infamously claiming United can make money regardless of results - with investors, and that meant Arnold's comments were received with caution by supporters.
United fans want action, not hollow words. United have just endured their worst season for decades and the club has often been unrecognisable. The anger at the Glazers' ownership has risen again and Arnold is now the most visible target.
That led to supporters organising a protest outside his home on Saturday afternoon. Although the demonstration was intended to be peaceful, it was actually foiled by Arnold himself. Arnold had received advanced notice of the protest and he took the initiative to meet supporters in the Cheshire pub in which they had gathered, preventing a demonstration outside of his home.
Arnold bought 'a few beers' for the supporters and he sat down to speak at length about matters regarding the club. Arnold was controversially covertly recorded during the conversation and the footage has since gone viral on social media, spectacularly resulting in infighting between those fans present at the meeting.
United's CEO discussed the Glazers' ownership, protests, commercial business, transfer policy and more. The reaction to the conversation on social media was mixed, but the majority at least noted their respect for Arnold for having the gumption to meet supporters.
Although the conversation was bound to be initially hostile, Arnold turned up regardless and had enough respect for supporters to sit and answer their questions. Would Woodward have done the same? History clearly suggests the answer is no.
There is no accountability in modern football and Arnold deserves some credit. Some who talked with Arnold have suggested his comments were just a PR exercise, but that doesn't take away from his decision to sit and talk, which they also appreciate.
When Arnold was appointed earlier this year, supporters feared he would be exactly the same as Woodward, but he's now proving that wrong. Arnold even seemed to criticise Woodward in the discussion, rhetorically asking: "Do you want me buying the players? Does that not ring a bell?". Arnold might be cut from the same cloth as Woodward but he's well aware of his predecessor's failings.
The access that supporters had to Arnold is unprecedented in United's modern history. Arnold seems to genuinely care and he deserves credit for having the time to speak with fans, however, he'll ultimately be judged by the action he takes.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
READ NEXT:
Richard Arnold takes swipe at Ed Woodward with Man Utd transfer question
Richard Arnold warns Manchester United fans over hopes Glazers will sell club
Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen deals could give Bruno Fernandes new role at Man United
- Erik ten Hag's wish to sell Manchester United first-teamer could transform Jadon Sancho
- Manchester United fans worried about transfer state of play for Erik ten Hag rebuild
