Rio Ferdinand reveals what Man City insiders told him about Man Utd appointing Omar Berrada

Rio Ferdinand has opened up about what Manchester City insiders have told him about Manchester United's incoming chief executive Omar Berrada.

United have appointed Omar Berrada from rivals City as their new chief executive.

The Old Trafford club have been searching for a new CEO since Richard Arnold's departure and they have finally found a successor in Berrada, who has played a key part in City's recent on and off-the-field success.

Sky Sports News claimed the appointment was made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe in consultation with Joel and Avram Glazer. However, INEOS are said to have been the driving force behind the move.

Berrada brokered deals for City to sign the likes of Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish, while he has helped generate record revenue from the club's academy.

And upon the appointment, Ferdinand told his Vibe with Five podcast: "I spoke to some guys who are at City - they can't believe we've got him.

"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."

A United statement said: "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.

"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."

Topics: Manchester City, Manchester United, Football, Rio Ferdinand

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.