MANCHESTER United have insisted that poaching former Manchester City chief Omar Berrada can help the Red Devils "re-establish" themselves as "a titlewinning club".

Berrada was serving as chief football operations officer for City Football Group - the parent management firm of City who run various clubs around the world - before resigning to make the move across Manchester and represents the first major acquisition of personnel for United since the Glazer family sold 25 per cent, and the rights to the day-to-day running, of the club to Ineos founder and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe agreed to purchase his stake in the iconic club, whom he has supported since he was a child, on Christmas Eve last year with the club already on the lookout for a new chief executive since Richard Arnold stepped aside in November. The club's head of legal, Patrick Stewart, has been performing the role on an interim basis.

Berrada had been at City for nearly a decade having previously held roles at Barcelona.

"Manchester United is pleased to announce the appointment of

Omar Berrada as its new CEO," a club statement said this weekend.

"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 reestablish Manchester United as a titlewinning club."

Berrada resigned from his role at City Football Group ahead of the announcement with City stating: "The club understands his decision to look for a new challenge and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes."

It is the first major signing for the Ratcliffe era at Manchester United.

(c) 2024 City A.M., source Newspaper