A new look for Manchester United off the pitch is continuing to take shape, most recently thanks to an executive hire from crosstown rival Manchester City.
Less than a month after Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 25% stake in the club, Man United announced the hiring of Omar Berrada as its CEO. Berrada had previously been the chief football operations officer at City Football Group, which owns Man City and a dozen other clubs around the world.
“The Club is determined to put football and performance on the pitch back at the heart of everything we do.” United said in a statement. “Omar’s appointment represents the first step on this journey.”
Berrada’s start date has not been announced. Patrick Stewart will continue as interim CEO for the time being, a role he has played since the departure of Richard Arnold in November.
“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,” United added in its statement.
Berrada is expected to oversee both football and business decisions for the club, reporting to Ratcliffe as well as the Glazer family, which has retained a majority stake in the organization. At City, Berrada was said to be involved in key player acquisitions including Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish, while also earning plaudits for his management of the team’s academy and women’s sides. Before being promoted in 2020, he worked as group commercial director and director of partnership sales at CFG.
In a statement, City officials said, “The club understands his decision to look for a new challenge and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes.” The Athletic previously reported that Berrada had been targeted by MLS and even at least one NFL franchise in the past.
While Ratcliffe’s purchase is still awaiting final Premier League approval, Ineos director of sport Dave Brailsford has already begun evaluating the club after giving up his post atop the brand’s cycling team.
Manchester United recently reported record revenue in its quarter ending September 30, though it still lost $33 million after interest and taxes. On the pitch, the Red Devils sit seventh in the Premier League, having fallen out of European competition by coming in last in their Champions League group. They have not won the top English title since 2013, while Manchester City, currently in second place, is fighting for its fourth straight and sixth such prize in the last seven years.