have confirmed the appointment of Omar Berrada as the club’s new chief executive, having managed to poach him from fierce rivals .
The Red Devils have been looking for a new permanent CEO since Richard Arnold at the backend of last year, with Patrick Stewart having taken on the role on an interim basis.
that United had persuaded Berrada to swap the blue side of Manchester for the red and now the club have confirmed the appointment.
A statement late on Saturday evening read: ‘Manchester United is pleased to announce the appointment of Omar Berrada as its new CEO.
‘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.
‘As one of the most experienced football executives at the top of European football, Omar brings a wealth of football and commercial expertise, with a proven record of successful leadership and a passion to help lead change across the club.
‘He is currently serving as chief football operations officer for City Football Group overseeing 11 clubs across five continents and, prior to this, held senior roles at Barcelona.
‘It is our stated ambition to re-establish Manchester United as a title-winning club. We are pleased that Omar will be joining us to help achieve that goal, so that, once again, United fans can see, in the words of Sir Matt Busby, the red flag flying high at the summit of English, European and world football.
‘Omar’s start date will be confirmed in due course; in the meantime, Patrick Stewart will continue as interim CEO.’
Although Berrada’s departure from City is believed to be amicable, he is expected to serve a significant notice period before taking over the reins at Old Trafford in the summer.
The Spaniard has been part of the hierarchy at Manchester City since 2011, having previously been employed by Barcelona, and was initially commercial director for the club.
He has moved up through the ranks over the years and has been chief football operations officer at City Football Group – which oversees a host of different clubs, including, of course, City – until United made their move.
Berrada has been a key part of City’s recent success on and off the pitch and played a pivotal role in negotiations for Erling Haaland back in 2022, while he has also been fundamental to the development of City’s brilliant youth academy.
His track record within football, coupled with his business acumen, has made him the ideal candidate for United, and he will take executive leadership of both areas.
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