Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold believes Erik ten Hag's arrival at the club was 'love at first sight' as he commended the Dutchman for the progress he has made during his first season in charge.
Arnold was speaking at the club's end of season party, organised at London's Langham Hotel following United's FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City on Saturday. The United CEO praised the former Ajax boss, with a Carabao Cup triumph to celebrate alongside a return to the Champions League following a third placed finish in the league.
Ten Hag was also reported to have spoken to those in attendance, with the 53-year-old outlining the need to continue with the progress made and challenge for more trophies. United are expected to make a move for Harry Kane and Mason Mount this summer while other incomings are likely.
The Mail reports United's players gathered in London to celebrate their most successful season in recent years. There has been a marked improvement on the sixth place they managed last season, with ten Hag bringing stability following the uncertain tenure of Ralf Ragnick in 2021/22.
Arnold has sought to resolve a number of issues in the past 12 months, with a very public falling out with star man Cristiano Ronaldo creating issues for the club's hierarchy. In addition, the need to overcome years of poor planning and recruitment from the club's previous regime has added to the challenge.
The ongoing takeover process is delaying ten Hag from being able to fully act upon his wishes for the future of the club. The Glazer family's £6 billion asking price has not yet having been met as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim compete for the right to own the club.
Speaking last week, ten Hag outlined the concerns that he has regarding the takeover's impact on his summer plans, saying: "I don't have influence on that," He continued. "The only thing I know is that Man United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, one of the biggest two or three from a fanbase perspective.
"The club has to compete for the highest [honours] in the world - the Champions League, Premier League - but in football you need funds to construct squads because the level of your players decides if you are successful or not. Everyone knows you need funds to construct a squad 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 in this club. The family are the owners, they make the decisions. Where I can make my influence I will do, so I’m focusing on improving the squad, the team development. I have to make sure the team is progressing."
