Omar Berrada shocked the footballing world by crossing the Manchester divide to become United’s new chief executive after resigning from his position as City’s chief football operations officer.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford were determined to appoint ‘the best in the class’ for the role at United and felt Berrada had what it takes to transform the club.
It comes as no surprise considering Berrada has risen to the role of chief football operations officer for the 13 clubs owned by City Football Group and helped United’s rivals conquer the Premier League and Europe.
But what is it that makes him so special? And what can he offer Manchester United under Ratcliffe‘s INEOS team, who have agreed a 25 per cent stake of the club and to take control of football operations?
Here, Mail Sport takes a look at how Berrada operated during his time at City and analyse how the 46-year-old merged business and sport to help the blue side of Manchester become one of the best in the world.
Omar Berrada shocked the world by leaving Manchester City to become United’s new CEO
Berrada’s appointment is a promising start for United following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment
Take risks and try new things
‘Life is all about taking risks. If you never take risks, then you’ll never know what you’re capable of.’
That is a motto Berrada lives by. He dared to be great at City and just take a look at the outcome.
City became the first English club in history to simultaneously hold the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup following a remarkable 2023.
And Berrada used an interview with the EU Business School in 2021 to reveal a side of his character that no doubt played a part in City’s success over the last few years.
‘A common theme of my career has been to take risks and try things. To be part of a journey which can go well or go badly but you learn,’ said Berrada, adding that he moved to City from Barcelona in the first place because he wanted to ‘go out of my comfort zone’.
So, it’s reasonable to suggest Berrada will take risks at Old Trafford – some of which will undoubtedly come off and others that will not. But, there’s no doubt it will create change at United and that’s exactly what they need after more than a decade in the doldrums.
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