Manchester United have just made a real statement of intent with their first appointment under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Despite the Premier League still performing the checks to make sure Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are able to complete the purchase of the club, it seems the changes behind the scenes are already underway.
One change is in the CEO department with Richard Arnold leaving the club, a vacancy has opened up and Manchester City CFO Omar Berrada is set to be the man who will fill this void.
Despite many fans probably not being immediately familiar with the new face, there should be a real buzz of anticipation and excitement over this deal.
Ineos working swiftly
One surprising aspect of this deal is just how fast this appointment was made. Within two hours of the story being broken, the club confirmed the news themselves and announced Berrada would be taking the CEO role.
Over the past decade, efficiency with appointments and signings has been severely lacking and this is one area of the club that could be improved drastically.
No longer can there be a constant media cycle with every new hire and transfer and the fact this deal, which is of huge significance, was completed without any leaks, is a sign of things to come.
Poaching one of Manchester City’s top men will hurt the Etihad club and the reality is that Berrada was a vital cog in the winning machine that is Pep Guardiola’s side.
With Berrada as the man leading the football and business operations, it seems appointments will be made in the sporting and technical director departments too.
City have enjoyed major success over the past decade, and while there is an asterisk attached to that, Barrada played no role in the accusations against City. There is a lot to also respect about the shrewd decisions they have made in the football structure on the blue side of Manchester and landing Barrada helps to put United onto the same path.
Perhaps he will bring some inner secrets of City’s success to United too. This feels like a seminal appointment, one United will hope starts to slowly tip the balance of power back in our favour.
This is a real statement of intent from the Red Devils and is one that fans should be excited about.
What will Berrada bring
How vital the Moroccan is there for all to see in City’s Amazon documentary All Or Nothing, where he speaks clearly and concisely about their strategy and ambition.
Having someone with a football background and a business background is key. For too long, a business background has been essential at United but these seem like different times at Old Trafford.
Fans have every right to be excited as, for the first time in a decade, there looks to be a light at the end of the tunnel with Ratcliffe and Ineos determined to push the club closer to success.
This is an excellent appointment and one that is a signal of intent from Ineos to swing the pendulum of power back in United’s favour.
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