Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold headed off a planned protest outside his Cheshire house by meeting some fans in his local pub.
Part of the discussion was secretly filmed and posted on social media.
Arnold, 51, appears to be filmed saying United had "burned" through £1bn on players over the past few years.
He also says the money that new manager Erik ten Hag and director of football John Murtough want to spend on new players "is there".
It is understood talks are continuing with Barcelona over Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is Ten Hag's number one summer transfer target.