Omar Berrada has been appointed as the new chief executive of Manchester United, moving from his previous position at rival club Manchester City.

Manchester United’s appointment of Omar Berrada from rivals Manchester City as their new chief executive marks a significant shift in the club’s leadership. Berrada’s succession of Richard Arnold, who departed from the CEO position at the end of last year, reflects the club’s strategic vision amid a period of transition and transformation. His integral role in the recent on and off-the-field successes of City, as well as his previous experience at Barcelona, positions him as a highly sought-after executive within the football industry.

The decision to appoint Omar Berrada as the new chief executive was reportedly made through a collaborative effort involving key figures such as Sir Jim Ratcliffe in consultation with Joel and Avram Glazer, with INEOS playing a pivotal role in facilitating the move. This swift transition aims to ensure that Berrada assumes his role promptly following Ratcliffe’s acquisition of 25 per cent of Manchester United.

The club’s confidence in Berrada stems from his remarkable track record in effectively managing both the football and commercial aspects of a club, as evidenced by his significant contributions to the success of Manchester City and Barcelona. His role in facilitating key transfers and driving record revenue generation at City, including the signings of Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish, underlines his acumen in shaping the club’s footballing landscape.

The allure of the vision presented by Manchester United, coupled with the compelling case made for his pivotal role in the club, made it an irresistible opportunity for Berrada. While Manchester City expressed regret at Berrada’s departure, they reaffirmed their confidence in their management structure, asserting their position as a world-leading club. Furthermore, Manchester City views Berrada’s move to United as a testament to their own success and standing within the football landscape.

Amidst this transition, Patrick Stewart has capably steered the club as United’s interim chief executive since Arnold’s departure and will continue in this role until Berrada assumes his position, ensuring continuity and stability during this period of change.