Manchester City insiders “can’t believe” Manchester United’s Omar Berrada coup

Rio Ferdinand has reflected on the new that Manchester United have poached Omar Berrada from Manchester City as their new club CEO.

On Saturday evening, Manchester United officially announced the appointment of Omar Berrada as the new Chief Executive Officer of the club.

Formerly the Chief Football Opperations Officer of the City Football Group, Berrada’s arrival at Old Trafford surprised many and is widely regarded as a significant coup within the football industry. Insiders attribute much of Manchester City’s success over the past decade to Berrada’s influence.

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Speaking on his podcast on Vibe with Five, Rio Ferdinand has explained what he’s been told regarding Berrada’s defection to Old Trafford.

“I spoke to some guys who are at City – they can’t believe we’ve got him,” he said.

“They think ‘wow’. He’s done so much in the game, at different levels. And he’s been successful. And it’s a really good, sharp signing for us.

“I think this could potentially be one of our best January signings, from the current climate especially.” 

Manchester United themselves released a big-message statement following Berrada’s appointment: “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.”