Former Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher has applauded Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold for holding a face-to-face discussion with a group of United supporters at a Cheshire pub on Saturday.
The fans had planned to stage a protest outside the 51-year-old's home but Arnold was tipped off by his local pub's landlord and subsequently made his way to the boozer to meet them. It was there where he held a frank discussion with them, with covertly recorded video footage of the meeting later being uploaded to social media.
Arnold picked up the baton from former United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward back in February and is now tasked with the challenge of trying to make United great again, working alongside football director John Murtough and new manager Erik ten Hag. The protest was planned by supporters to increase pressure on the Glazer family to sell their stake in the club.
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Arnold bought the protestors a drink and discussed several topics with them, including the club's ongoing pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. He also appeared to take a swipe at Woodward when quizzed on this summer's transfer dealings.
United's supporters have become increasingly frustrated over the last few years for the lack of information communicated to them via the club's hierarchy, so Arnold's move to sit down with the protestors was well received and respected. And for Sky Sports pundit Carragher, it was a move that deserved recognition.
Carragher posted on Twitter: "Every fan moans about not getting access to people at the top of their club, this is the reason why they don't. Fair play to Richard Arnold [clapping emoji]."
United have issued a statement in response to Arnold talking to the protestors, with a United spokesman saying: "Richard heard that a group of fans had gathered in a pub near his house.
"He went to meet them, bought them all a drink, listened to their views, and explained what the club is doing to deliver success on the pitch, improve the stadium, and strengthen engagement with fans."
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