Manchester United name Omar Berrada as CEO after City exit

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Omar Berrada as the club's new general manager following his departure from rivals Manchester City.

Berrada's resignation from his role as director of football operations at City Football Group was announced shortly before United made his hire official.

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The move, a source told ESPN, was led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and agreed to by the Glazers.

“Manchester United are pleased to announce the appointment of Omar Berrada as their new CEO,” United said in a statement. “The Club is determined to put football and performance on the pitch at the heart of everything we do. Omar’s appointment represents the first step in this journey.

“As one of the most experienced football managers at the top of European football, Omar brings a wealth of footballing and business expertise, with a proven track record of successful leadership and a passion to help drive change within the club.

“Our stated ambition is to re-establish Manchester United as a title-winning club. We are pleased that Omar will be joining us to help us achieve this goal, so that once again United fans can see, according to the words from Sir Matt Busby, the red flag is flying high at the top of English, European and world football. Omar's start date will be confirmed in due course; in the meantime, Patrick Stewart will continue in his role as interim CEO.

A City statement released on Saturday read: “Manchester City Football Club can confirm that Omar Berrada has resigned from his position as Director of Football Operations at City Football Group.

“The club understands his decision to seek a new challenge and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes.”

Berrada has been Director of Football Operations since September 2020, previously holding the positions of Group Commercial Director and Director of Partnership Sales.

A source told ESPN that he left City Football Group amicably but decided to take on a new challenge.

United have been without a CEO since November, when Richard Arnold announced his decision to step down as Ratcliffe and INEOS moved closer to securing a 25% stake in the club. Attorney General Stewart acted as acting attorney.

Berrada is the first major meeting of the INEOS era at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe's deal to become a minority shareholder is expected to be ratified by the Premier League in February.

INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, who has been a regular presence at United's Carrington training ground since the deal was announced on Christmas Eve, has resigned as cycling team director INEOS Grenadiers to concentrate on his work at United.