Omar Berrada has been named as Manchester United’s new chief executive, effective immediately. Berrada left rival Manchester City.
Soon before United officially confirmed Berrada’s employment, the chief football operations officer of City Football Group announced his retirement.
According to an ESPN insider, Sir Jim Ratcliffe spearheaded the initiative, and the Glazers approved it as well.
United released a statement stating, “Manchester United is pleased to announce the appointment of Omar Berrada as its new CEO.” “The club is committed to making football and on-field performance the focal points of everything we do. On this trip, Omar’s appointment is the first step.
“One of the most seasoned football executives in European sport, Omar offers a plethora of football and business acumen, a track record of effective leadership, and a drive to spearhead change inside the club.
“We want to restore Manchester United’s status as a championship-winning team. We are happy that Omar will be working with us to accomplish that aim, so that United supporters may see the red flag flying high at the top of English, European, and global football once again, in the words of Sir Matt Busby. Patrick Stewart will remain in his role as acting CEO until Omar’s start date is established.
“Manchester City Football Club can confirm that Omar Berrada has resigned from his role as chief football operations officer at City Football Group,” the statement from the city said on Saturday.
“The club understands his decision to look for a new challenge, and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes.”
Prior to taking on the position of chief football operations officer in September 2020, Berrada served as director of partnership sales and group commercial director.
He has left the City Football Group amicably, but he has chosen to take on a new challenge, an insider told ESPN.
Since Richard Arnold announced his resignation in November, when Ratcliffe and INEOS were getting closer to acquiring a 25% ownership stake in the team, United has been without a CEO. Stewart, the general attorney, has been stepping in temporarily.
At Old Trafford, Berrada is the first significant hire of the INEOS period.
The Premier League is expected to approve Ratcliffe’s agreement to become a minority stakeholder in February.
In order to concentrate on his job at United, INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, who has been a frequent visitor to the club’s Carrington training facility since the transaction was revealed on Christmas Eve, has quit as head of the INEOS Grenadiers cycling team.
