Manchester United have scored a major coup in landing Manchester City CEO Omar Berrada as part of a shake-up following the acquisition of 25% of the club by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals company INEOS, as first reported by David Ornstein.
Omar Berrada Hired as CEO by Manchester United
This news comes as a major shock on both sides of Manchester as Berrada has been in position at the Etihad Stadium since 2011, initially as a Commercial Director for City Football Marketing before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2016 upon the arrival of ex-Barcelona colleague Pep Guardiola as head coach.
Many expected the City executive to succeed current CEO Ferran Soriano before he became the latest member of staff poached away by a Premier League side.
WATCH: Major Manchester United Moves Expected
‘A Major Coup’ For The Red Devils as Man City Loses Key Executive
Manchester United fans will be delighted that the new part owners have set about revamping the football operation in earnest, even though the Premier League has not yet ratified their takeover. Berrada is expected to be part of INEOS’ cultural revolution at the club fans will hope he can re-create some of the success seen at their bitter rivals’ club.
Whilst improving results on the field is the club’s short-term objective, the acquisition of an elite CEO with experience of working in an elite environment is widely perceived to be a step in the right direction when it comes to revamping the footballing structure of the club.
New Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada A ‘Well Regarded Operator’
According to Ornstein’s report, United are acquiring a well-regarded operator with extensive experience and involvement in high-profile transfers, such as the deal to bring Erling Haaland to Etihad Stadium in May 2022. He will be replacing Patrick Stewart in the role, the club’s chief lawyer who had been occupying the role on an interim basis since the departure of Richard Arnold at the end of last year.
Having completed this move discreetly and calmly, supporters will hope that this major structural acquisition will herald the dawn of a new era of efficiency and dynamism at Old Trafford. This time, Manchester City’s loss is their cross-town rivals’ gain.
Read More: ‘He Is Not Excluded’: £250K P/W Player’s Agent Clarifies Stance On Manchester United Future
