Manchester United: Locker room factions and frustrated players

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The Manchester United ringside is preparing to take another turn. The final touches are being made to Ed Woodward’s long farewell to the club. Richard Arnold is ready to take over.

For Arnold, he’s most welcome at the big party. There is turmoil at United, with dressing-room divisions, frustrated players and questions about a team struggling for direction.

Before now, Arnold was staying away from those kinds of issues. As the Managing Director since 2013, his mission has been the business side. Last year, for example, he agreed a £253m shirt sponsorship deal with TeamViewer.

His promotion means a change of focus. He will take ultimate responsibility for what happens on the field, even if he aims to do things a little differently than Woodward.

Where Woodward was Executive Vice President, Arnold’s official title will be CEO, a reflection of his primary interest in being the Manchester United business.

Instead of hands-on training, Arnold plans to give autonomy to the athletic side, allowing more control over budget and decisions. Director of Football John Murtaugh will take the lead with the help of head coach Darren Fletcher.

Of course the devil is in the details.

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