What Man United’s new CEO Richard Arnold can learn from Ed Woodward’s tenure

After the European Super League debacle back in April, the aftermath led to Manchester United's Chief Executive Ed Woodward deciding to step down. Like many of the ongoings throughout Woodward's tenure, fans are confused about when exactly he will be stepping down and in what capacity he will be stepping down.

As the MEN reported on December 20th, Richard Arnold will be taking the reins from Woodward and stepping up into the role himself. So, what can Arnold learn from Woodward's tenure, and what are the things United fans expect from him?

It remains to be seen just how the dynamics will work off the pitch at Manchester United, with Arnold coming in as the new CEO. What is often forgotten in this hectic season is that current interim boss Ralf Rangnick will be taking a consultancy role at the club.

This could work like clockwork with the right type of people at the helm, or it could be like an awkward boardroom meeting in an episode of The Apprentice.

Whatever you say about Ed Woodward and his reputation with the fans, his work off the pitch regarding the commercial aspect of things has been immaculate.

Through challenging times at the club, with COVID and, of course, the lack of trophies during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's managerial reign, Woodward's commercialisation of the club has been at times the only aspect that has enabled the club to remain one of the biggest in the world.

Arnold will need to ensure if he is going to replicate anything of Woodward's tenure, it will be the commercial areas! The other stuff, however, shouldn't be copied. One of the most significant areas that has irked United fans is the lack of communication coming from the board. There must be transparency from the new Chief Executive with a whole host of things, like the European Super League.

Another issue fans had with Woodward was the lack of footballing knowledge. The main issue was Woodward having a big say in the footballing decisions at the club when, quite clearly, his strengths lay elsewhere.

Arnold needs to stick to what he, knows best which, similar to Woodward, would be the business away from the pitch and leave the footballing side to Rangnick and the new manager next season.

It's safe to say, Arnold has a lot to do. At what feels like a pivotal time for the club, Arnold comes in when Manchester United is transitioning, with managers and players chopping and changing. United fans seem to have an opinion on the owners that won't be changing any time soon,

Arnold must almost work like the middle man and be the modern-day connection between the fans and the club owners. No pressure, Richard.