Manchester United have appointed Omar Berrada as chief executive after he resigned as chief football operations officer at City Football Group.
Berrada has developed a huge reputation at Manchester City, initially as the club’s commercial director.
He then became chief operating officer before moving into the chief football operations officer role.
“It is our stated ambition to re-establish Manchester United as a title-winning club,” Manchester United said.
A statement from the Old Trafford club continued: “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.”
United have been looking for a new chief executive to replace Richard Arnold, who stepped aside in November.
It had initially been thought Jean Claude Blanc, who was named as one of the Ineos representatives on the United football club board following their successful bid for 25% of the club, would take on the role.
Berrada’s expertise across football is viewed as a major asset.
United’s head of legal Patrick Stewart has stepped in for Arnold on an interim basis, but that was never intended to become a permanent arrangement.
City had earlier confirmed Berrada’s resignation, commenting: “The club understands his decision to look for a new challenge and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes.”
It is understood Berrada will start in his new role in the summer, with the circumstances around his exit being described as amicable.
United said his start date would be confirmed “in due course”, with Stewart continuing in the interim role.
BBC Sport has been told Berrada agonized over his decision before making the move given the relative state of the two clubs.
For their part, City believes the fact United have come after one of their senior executives underlines their status as one of the best run of all the big clubs across Europe. They are confident their current executive team, led by chief executive Ferran Soriano will continue unhindered by Berrada’s exit.
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