GUNNERS FURY AT UEFA OVER FINAL
Boss told he’ll get the backing to bring back the good times
FORMER Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore caused raised eyebrows at the LMA dinner when he said he would take up a new job in September.
That is in contrast to him remaining as a consultant for the next three years as part of his controversial £5million “golden handshake” funded by the clubs. THE Europa League final is in danger of descending into a complete farce as Arsenal registered their “bitter disappointment” with UEFA.
Thousands of fans could miss the all-English final between Arsenal and Chelsea in Baku on May 29 because they cannot get transport to the game. UEFA have also failed to give OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER will be able to call on Manchester United’s financial might to bring success back to Old Trafford.
That was the view of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, who says everyone at the club is “resolute” in their aim to return the club to the top of English football.
The Reds finished sixth in the Premier League this season, missing out on the Champions League, with Solskjaer’s side consigned to the Europa League next term.
Woodward (right), speaking as United released their results for the third quarter of the financial year, admitted it was a disappointing season but said Solskjaer (top) will be given sufficient funds to improve a squad which trailed in 32 points behind champions Manchester City.
“It clearly didn’t end the way we hoped, finishing in sixth place and with a disruptive managerial change partway through,” said Woodward.
“However, Ole and the squad assurances over the safety of Henrikh Mkhitaryan (above), who is almost certain to miss the game due to ongoing tensions between Azerbaijan and the Gunner’s home nation of Armenia.
Arsenal said: “We are bitterly disappointed. Time will tell if it’s even possible for 6,000 Arsenal fans to attend, given the travel challenges.” battled back from mid-December to put us in contention to qualify for the Champions League next season, but ultimately we came up short.
“While the last few weeks were disappointing, we’re delighted to have confirmed Ole as our manager on a three-year contract and to have recently confirmed the key members of the coaching team – Mick Phelan, Michael Carrick, Kieran McKenna and Mark Dempsey – will be remaining. “Everyone at the club – the board, the manager, the squad and all the staff – are resolute in our desire to get United back to the top of English football. We continually look to improve staff on and off the pitch to achieve this.
“The strength of our business means we have the financial resources to continue to provide backing for the manager and creating success on the pitch.
“This as ever remains number one goal.” Despite shortcomings on the pitch, United are forecasting a turnover of between £615million and £630m this financial year, which would be a record for a British club. our