Manchester United announced the appointment of Omar Berrada from rivals Man City as their new chief executive. The surprising news filtered through over the weekend.
Berrada is the first significant hire of the INEOS era and he arrives at United after serving as chief football operations officer at City Football Group (CFG) which owns Manchester City and 12 other clubs around the world.
The news was confirmed on Saturday via ManUtd.com.
He joined City in 2011, as head of international business development, and worked as director of partnership sales and then senior vice president group commercial director. Berrada became club’s chief operating officer in 2016.
The incoming CEO also also several years at Barcelona during a very successful period for the club, though he is French-Moroccan rather than Catalan.
Berrada replaces Richard Anrold who succeeded Ed Woodward in 2022. Woodward wasn’t a popular figure among fans due to taking too much of a role in footballing matters despite having no backhround in sport. That is why this appointment suggests significant chance is coming to United for the better.
Arnold left Old Trafford in November and was replaced by Patrick Stewart on an interim basis.
It is believed Berrada was identified and pursued by INEOS but with endorsements from the Glazer family, which means it was a joint decision between all parties involved.
This is a huge coup for United just like it’s a blow for City.
We look forward to seeing what Berrada does in his new role as CEO.
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
… after cHity´s secret agent 1.0 gone (Sancho / for good I hope), the new cHity´s secret agent 2.0 implemented … & right at the top – this mafioso-style cHity politics will cost us even dearer …
………………….. just hoping that was my own paranoia 2.0, but I doubt it