Omar Berrada’s joined Manchester United from Manchester City (Picture: Gettty)
Omar Berrada’s decision to join Manchester United ‘shocked’ Manchester City’s squad, who were caught completely surprised by the news.
The Spaniard was confirmed as United’s new CEO on Saturday night, with Berrada set to take up the position this summer.
Berrada has been an influential figure at the Etihad since 2011, helping City to an era of success at home and abroad.
His appointment is the first major decision made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team, with further appointments in recruitment to come.
As well as severely strengthening themselves, United have landed a major blow on rivals City.
Berrada [right] has spent 13 years at City (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
While some City figures considered United’s appointment to be a compliment and indicative of the power shift in the city, that feeling was not shared among the players.
According to the Athletic, there was shock among the squad at the side’s Abu Dhabi training camp that Berrada was leaving and that he would consider moving to United.
Berrada agonised over the decision, not least because he was aware of how a cross-city move would go down at City.
But it’s said that the opportunity to become a CEO at one of the world’s most famous clubs was too difficult to turn down, and Berrada is excited by the task of trying to turn United around.
Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford will now look to appoint a sporting director, as well as a head of recruitment.
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It’s NOT gone down well.