Man Utd confirm shock appointment of Man City chief as Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes ‘Sir Matt Busby’ vow

Manchester United have announced the shock appointment of Omar Berrada as the club’s new CEO.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been conducting an audit at Old Trafford since acquiring a 25 per cent stake in the Red Devils last month. As part of his minority shareholding, the Glazers have granted him full sporting control of the club.

A major boardroom shake-up was anticipated but few expected United to poach bitter rivals Manchester City for their CEO. Berrada - who spent 13 years at the Etihad - will oversee football matters, business dealings, sit on the board and report to the owners in his new role.

An official statement confirmed the eye-catching news which had been rumoured earlier today. In the message, United insisted they are on a path to replicate iconic manager Sir Matt Busby’s legacy at the Theatre of Dreams.

“Manchester United is pleased to announce the appointment of Omar Berrada as its new CEO,” the update on United’s website read. “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.”