Man Utd CEO Richard Arnold delivers clear message to Erik ten Hag at end of season party

Man Utd CEO Richard Arnold sends clear message to Erik ten Hag at end-of-season party

Man United hosted a party for staff, players and families in London on Saturday after their FA Cup final loss to Man City, with CEO Richard Arnold addressing those in attendance.

Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold says Erik ten Hag’s arrival at the club was “love at first sight” and has praised the Dutchman for the progress he has made in his first season as a manager.

Arnold gave a speech at the club’s end-of-season party at London’s Langham Hotel following the FA Cup final loss to Manchester City on Saturday. The United CEO hailed the former Ajax manager as he welcomed a Carabao Cup triumph and a return to the Champions League following a third-place finish in the league.

Ten Hag is also said to have spoken to those present, with the 53-year-old stressing the need to continue the progress made and fight for more trophies. United are expected to make a move for Harry Kane and Mason Mount this summer, while other signings are likely.

The Mail reports that United players have gathered in London to celebrate their most successful season in recent years. There has been a significant improvement from the sixth place finish they achieved last season, with ten Hags providing stability after Ralf Ragnick’s uncertain tenure in the 2021/22 season.

Arnold has attempted to work through a number of issues over the past 12 months, with a very public row with star player Cristiano Ronaldo causing problems for the club’s hierarchy. Furthermore, the challenge has been compounded by years of poor planning and recruiting under the old club regime to overcome. The ongoing takeover process is delaying ten Hag to fully meet his wishes for the future of the club. The Glazer family’s asking price of £6bn has yet to be met as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim battle for the right to own the club.

Ten Hag last week outlined concerns he has about the impact of the takeover on his summer plans, saying: “I have no influence on that,” he continued. “All I know is that Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, one of the two or three biggest from a fan perspective.

“The club has to compete for the highest honors in the world – the Champions League, the Premier League – but in football you need money to build teams because the level of your players determines whether you are successful or not. Everyone knows that it takes money to put together a team and high-level players cost a lot of money.”

Ten Hag added: “It’s clear what I want, but it’s not up to me. It’s about others at this club. The family owns it, they make the decisions. Where I can exert my influence, I will, so I focus.” on selection improvement, team development. I have to make sure the team moves forward.”