Ex-Man City star explains why Man Utd appointment of Omar Berrada is a ‘masterstroke’

Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has claimed Omar Berrada is the ‘perfect man’ to oversee the Ineos era at Manchester United.

Berrada was appointed as the Red Devils’ new CEO on Saturday, although a start date has not been set following for move across Manchester from the Etihad. Berrada played a significant role in recruitment and commercial growth at City in the last decade, a period which has seen them eclipse the achievements of their local rivals.

Lescott knows only too well the impact the football executive has had behind the scenes at City. The ex-centre-back spent five years of his career at the club and was part of the side that won the first Premier League title in 2012, while he continues to do punditry work at City now.

Writing a firsthand account of Berrada’s impact at the Etihad, Lescott said he will bring real impetus to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s burgeoning project at United.

“Manchester United hiring Omar Berrada from Manchester City as their new chief executive looks like a masterstroke,” the 41-year-old claimed in his column with LiveScore. “Omar is a very impressive guy. He's a great person to work with and someone I've shared a lot of insightful conversations with during his time at the Etihad. 

“His background is more business-based and focused around the structure of a club, so he will provide stability in that sense where it is needed. He's been a big part of the progression and growth of City Football Group, so this is a top acquisition for United — and a sensible one.

“Football clubs at the top level are businesses and when we talk about cultures, standards and behaviours, it all starts with having people in the right leadership roles,” he added. “Omar is the perfect man to oversee that and give United a sustained chance at being successful.”

While Lescott admitted that Berrada’s departure from City will come as a real blow, the England Under-21s coach feels the club’s structure off the field will help them cope with the departure.

“For City, the news of Omar joining their bitter rivals will have come as a shock — but it's a part of business,” he wrote. “They have done the same thing in years gone by, poaching figureheads from other leading clubs and hiring those who have excelled elsewhere.

“Txiki Begiristain [City’s director of football] and Ferran Soriano [club CEO] both had previous at Barcelona and eventually proved key in luring Pep Guardiola to City, even though it took them a few years.

“When another club makes approaches for your staff members, it's a compliment to how well you're running things and the trajectory you're on. The beauty of City's structure is they will have planned for things like this and you can guarantee Omar's replacement will be an outstanding candidate.”