The protests against the Glazer ownership of Manchester United took on another development on Saturday as a group of supporters planned to protest outside the house of CEO, Richard Arnold, only for him to cut them off at a local pub and explain that the club has money available to sign Frenkie de Jong.
While the protests are not about the upcoming transfer, it has been a major factor in concerns about how the club has been run for almost a decade, Arnold is looking to avoid any potential conflicts outside his area.
After meeting with a gathering of fans at the bar, a number of topics were discussed, including the need for foreign funding to redevelop Old Trafford, but most notable was Arnold’s outspokenness about the transfer.
“We are doing our best to close the deal [De Jong],” Arnold explained.
“I tell you, the money is there.
“I’ve been trying to figure out what to do for days, the money is there but there are some things I can’t say.”
Frenkie de Jong is incredibly comfortable with Barcelona life, and although his performances have not yet reached the levels shown by Ajax under Erik ten Hag, the midfielder does not want to leave.
Barcelona, however, appears to have more plans for him and will be inspired by Arnold’s admission that Manchester United are not worried about the cost of the Dutchman.
“Money is not determined by who we want,” he added.
“Whether the manager wants him and whether they have actually done the job of checking to see if he is a good player.
“Is it 100 or 200 million? I don’t know, you have to find out who you want a king for.”