Kieran Maguire: Arnold set to mastermind Man United ‘power shift’ after behind-the-scenes news
Richard Arnold’s main task at Man United is to implement a long-term plan and redress the “power shift” between themselves and Man City.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the newly-appointed CEO’s in-tray.
Arnold is set to replace the outgoing Ed Woodward as the club’s top executive on 1 February.
Woodward, who will stay on in a consultancy role, faced fierce criticism for juggling football and business duties during his nine years in the job.
But per the Daily Mail on Monday (10 January), Arnold will take a backseat in the sporting department to focus on commercial operations.
United lifted three major trophies during Woodard’s tenure, whereas rivals Man City won 11.
Maguire expects Arnold to stay in his lane as United enter the foothills of his premiership
“Richard Arnold’s background is on the commercial side,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“He is aware that commercial success primes the pump for the football activities. But he needs to get the balance right in terms of the drivers.
“If they are going all over the world simply to have lucrative pre-season tours, is that in the best interests of the club as a whole?
“If he is taking a backseat and he has got a very good director of football operations, there’s no problem at all.
“In Darren Fletcher, they have got a technical director who is intelligent and articulate.
“That’s where the balance of power has shifted in Manchester. City have a long-term plan whereas, for me, United are looking from window to window.”
It was confirmed on Wednesday (12 January) that City had surpassed United’s annual turnover for the first time ever.
The Red Devils are in action against Aston Villa today (15 January), while their cross-city rivals take on Chelsea.
In other news, pundit suggests Man United face “embarrassment” if they don’t spend “serious money” to seal “new signing”.