Man Utd set to appoint key Man City staff member as new CEO in shock move

Manchester United are set to appoint Manchester City's chief football operations officer as their new CEO as the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era gathers steam, according to a new report.

Ratcliffe and INEOS have agreed a deal to take a 25 per cent minority stake in United, and are awaiting the arrangement to be officially ratified.

Once it does, they will take over control of footballing operations at Old Trafford, with former Team Sky chief Sir Dave Brailsford and ex-PSG general manager Jean-Claude Blanc set to take spots on United's executive board.

The new regime is yet to announce any other significant changes to the management staff - though that appears to change in shocking fashion.

According to The Athletic, United are set to appoint City's Omar Berrada as their new chief executive officer to report directly to key INEOS staff.

It is said that the Spaniard will take over executive leadership in the running of both the football and business side at Old Trafford, and will be appointed to the board of directors.

The report adds that Berrada was personally 'pursued' by INEOS, with the Glazers offering their 'endorsement' to the decision to appoint him.

Berrada has worked in his role as part of the City Football Group since 2016, and has played a significant role in the rise of Pep Guardiola's side as well as working alongside director of football Txiki Begiristain.

He was previously a commercial director for City Football Marketing, and also spent time at Barcelona, whom he left in 2011.

City have confirmed that Berrada has resigned from his role in a statement to The Athletic, although made no mention of his next destination.

They state: "Manchester City Football Club can confirm that Omar Berrada has resigned from his role as chief football operations officer at City Football Group.

"The club understands his decision to look for a new challenge and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes."

Topics: Manchester United, Manchester City, Premier League, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Pep Guardiola

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.