Manchester United has announced the appointment of Omar Berrada as their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This move is widely regarded as a significant coup for the Red Devils, considering Berrada's pivotal role in the operations of their highly successful local rivals, Manchester City, over the past decade.
"It is our stated ambition to re-establish Manchester United as a title-winning club," the club said in a statement.
The move's significance is evident as even Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola shared his thoughts, suggesting that perhaps their rivals believe that everything is set to change with this appointment.
United has had no CEO since November 2023, when Richard Arnold left Old Trafford. This vacancy occurred as part of a transition, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS agreeing to purchase a 25 percent stake in the club and assuming control of football operations from the Glazer family.
The club has stated that Berrada's start date will be confirmed in due course, with expectations that he will assume his duties in the summer leading up to the upcoming 2024-25 season.
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Who is Omar Berrada?
Born to Moroccan parents and raised in Paris, some of Berrada's early career in football executive roles was with Spanish giants FC Barcelona.
From 2004 to 2011, he served as the Catalan club's Senior Media Business Development Manager and Head of Sponsorship, coinciding with Guardiola's time as a manager with the Blaugrana.
Omar Berrada's role with Manchester City
Before his resignation, Berrada held the Chief Football Operations Officer position at the City Football Group (CFG).
CFG, predominantly owned by the Abu Dhabi royal family, operates as the holding company of their sporting ventures.
In addition to Manchester City, it holds interests in various football clubs in the world, such as Girona in La Liga, New York City FC in the MLS, Melbourne City FC in Australia, Mumbai City FC in India, Palermo in the Italian Serie B, and several others.
Before this role, Berrada served as the CFG's Commercial Director and Director of Partnership Sales for the holding company. He joined the company in 2011 and played a crucial role in recruiting Pep Guardiola as their manager and securing several high-profile signings, including Erling Haaland.
Omar Berrada's move to Manchester United
Despite his move to United, there was no animosity towards him by City, and they handled his departure with diplomacy.
Some Premier League executives hold Berrada in high regard, describing him as a "good and clean operator" with a brilliant understanding of the game and its business.
While several individuals view Berrada's appointment as a potential game-changer for United, City remains internally unworried about his departure affecting their ability to manage operations.
They have confidence in their robust structure, forming a solid management team capable of handling Berrada's exit, even though he held a leadership role within CFG.
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