United legends back Arnold appointment
Two Manchester United legends who have already worked closely with Richard Arnold have endorsed his appointment as the Reds’ new Chief Executive Officer.
The two former captains have returned to the fold in recent years as club ambassadors, a role which has immersed them in the commercial operation at Old Trafford - and beyond.
“I’ve travelled all round the world with Richard over the years and you can see how determined he is,” said Robson.
Robson reacts to Richard Arnold’s appointment
In this week’s The Debate, Robbo analyses our start to 2022 & Richard Arnold's appointment as Chief Executive Officer...
“But he knows that no matter how good you are commercially, the most important thing is getting it right on the pitch. I know Richard understands that and he’ll do his utmost to make it happen. He knows it’s really important to win trophies, and I think what the club have done is put John Murtough and Darren Fletcher in place to bring players in and have an opinion on that.
“I’m sure that Richard, on certain football aspects, will ask people like David Gill and Sir Alex Ferguson for their opinion, because they’re passionate about the club. Richard is [also] passionate about the football club and the biggest thing I can say is I know he will want it to be successful. He’s really dedicated and hard-working, and I think it’s a great appointment.”
Schmeichel described the new CEO’s feelings towards the club as “an absolute true love for Manchester United” and cited an attribute that he feels Arnold shares with his former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.
“If you walk around Old Trafford with Richard, you will find out first of all how respected he is but also that he knows people. He knows everyone, he talks to everyone,” said the Treble-winning goalkeeper.
“He is interested in the people who work for Manchester United, and I think that is important. It’s something I experienced with Sir Alex. I think it was one of the key factors in Sir Alex’s success. He knew who he was dealing with, and he could understand very, very quickly why a person wasn't doing what they were supposed to do.
Schmeichel added: “I’ve worked for Richard for a couple of years as an ambassador, and I have got to know him and his feelings for the club, and how he’s realised the club is more than a company or institution.
“We’ve got so much history and so many traditions that are important to the fans, who are the most important people in the equation at Manchester United.”