MANCHESTER UNITED have pulled off a massive coup by landing Omar Berrada as their new chief executive from neighbours City.
Berrada has resigned from his post at the Etihad after 13 years, the last eight as City’s chief football operations officer.
Yet he may not be able to start his role in trying to lead United back to the top until next season if he has to serve a notice period.
The Spaniard has been a key figure in City’s rise to become Europe’s premier team, and Etihad insiders insist he will leave with their blessing and no ill-feeling.
They are adamant the management structure is so solid that there will be no destabilising knock-on once Berrada has gone.
City’s football operations department is headed by chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak and run by senior figures Txiki Begiristain, Ferran Soriano and Brian Marwood.
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Yet there is no doubt Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has vowed to make United great again after his £1.3billion investment, will see his first major move as a huge statement of intent.
City confirmed his decision in a statement which said: “Manchester City Football Club can confirm that Omar Berrada has resigned from his role as chief football operations officer at City Football Group.
“The club understands his decision to look for a new challenge and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes.”
For all Berrada is one of a 130-strong football operations team at the Etihad, there is no doubt his cross-town move will impact both clubs.
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He played a key role working alongside chief executive Soriano and director of football Begiristain over transfers and contracts and joined City after eight years in a commercial role with Barcelona.
Berrada, 46, has wide-reaching and wide-ranging contacts and was attracted by the chance of having greater responsibilities at Old Trafford.
Yet he faces a massive job in his role as Richard Arnold’s successor, with the gap between United and City wider than at any stage – in every department on and off the field.
Arnold left United before the deal to sell a 25 per cent stake was sealed with Ratcliffe’s Ineos team.
While City are disappointed – but accepting – at losing him, they also believe their own operation will not be weakened.
And there is no suggestion it will have any impact on manager Pep Guardiola’s long-term future at the club.
But Berrada may still have a major role left at City as he is expected to be a key witness when the champions face an independent commission later this year.
They have been accused by the Premier League of 115 counts of breaking profit and sustainability rules.
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And in his position within the football and commercial side of the City Football Group operation, both on the football and commercial side of the club, Berrada will be a key figure when the hearing begins.
Sources believe his Old Trafford appointment points towards City’s innocence as United would be unlikely to risk handing such a high profile position to someone whose reputation would be hugely damaged with a guilty verdict.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
