In a surprising turn of events, record-time Premier League champions Manchester United have been successfull in poaching one of the influential figures who was responsible in the rise of their cross town rivals Manchester City.
The club confirmed that they had appointed Omar Berrada as the club’s new CEO, poaching him from bitter local rivals Manchester City. “Manchester United is pleased to announce the appointment of Omar Berrada as its new CEO,” said a statement from the Old Trafford club.
“The club is determined to put football and performance on the pitch back at the heart of everything we do. Omar’s appointment represents the first step on this journey. It is our stated ambition to re-establish Manchester United as a title-winning club.” it added.
Previously, Berrada stepped down from his role as the head of football operations at City Football Group, the entity that oversees the English champions along with a collection of other clubs worldwide.
🚨🥇| INEOS driving force behind appointment of Omar Berrada as Manchester United’s new CEO. Move made quickly, quietly & collaboratively. One source has told us once he knew of United’s interest and the impressive way he was sold the club, it was impossible to say no. #MUFC… pic.twitter.com/UXz2Bxb67s
— UtdTruthful (@Utdtruthful) January 21, 2024
“Manchester City Football Club can confirm that Omar Berrada has resigned from his role as Chief Football Operations Officer at City Football Group,” City said in a statement.
“The club understands his decision to look for a new challenge and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes.”
Omar Berrada’s Profile
Berrada, who had been with Barcelona, joined City in 2011, collaborating with City Football Group’s CEO Ferran Soriano and City director of football Txiki Begiristain. This trio is recognized for playing a key role in City’s transformation into a highly efficient commercial entity off the field, contributing significantly to the club’s success under manager Pep Guardiola.
Berrada’s recent appointment at United is noteworthy as one of the initial significant moves made by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe since acquiring a 25 percent stake in United for $1.3 billion. Manchester United has been operating without a permanent CEO since Richard Arnold’s departure at the end of the previous year.
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