Image Credits: Man Utd YouTube / PA
Manchester United successfully recruited Omar Berrada from city rivals Manchester City to take on the role of CEO at the conclusion of this season. This move is part of a larger restructuring within the club’s management, spurred by the financial infusion from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Berrada, whose switch was officially announced in January, is currently observing a six-month gardening leave and will commence his duties at United post this period.
The acquisition of Berrada is seen as a strategic move, given his experience at a club that has clinched the Premier League title three times consecutively.
His appointment has received the endorsement of David Gill, the club’s former chief executive, known for his successful tenure alongside legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.
In an appearance on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, FIVE, Gill outlined three key changes for Berrada to ensure a successful stint at United.
- He emphasised the importance of collaboration with Sir Dave Brailsford, who is also joining United following Ratcliffe’s investment, and the recruitment team to enhance the club’s player acquisition and negotiation capabilities.
- Furthermore, Gill highlighted the necessity of securing beneficial sponsorship deals, citing a recent extension with Adidas as an example of the club’s prowess in this area. Aligning these deals with improved team performance, he argued, would yield even better results.
- Additionally, Gill advised Berrada to instill a sense of hope and aspiration across all club staff, acknowledging the need to revitalise the club’s spirit following challenging years both on and off the field. This approach is aimed at unifying and motivating the team and the broader club community as they embark on this new chapter.
Here are his quotes from the show:
Gill said: “Firstly, I think appointing someone from outside is a good idea, someone with new ideas and a new perspective coming from a very successful club.
“[My advice would be to] really focus in with Dave Brailsford and those on the recruitment and negotiation side, really understand that.
“Get the focus back on that, get it working better to deliver the players.
“We have just negotiated an extension with Adidas, a great deal there, and we’ve got sponsors coming in all the time so that is working pretty well. But if you align that with a team performance you’re doing even better.”
Gill further added: “Rio will know this from Carrington and myself at Old Trafford, there are lots of people who work there.
“Clubs have lots of people who have been there for many years, love the club and they just need a bit of hope, a bit of aspiration and that will galvanise them to work harder and be more motivated.
“To me, that’s what’s needed. Then getting back to the philosophy that we are all one club.
“The ability as a good manager is to manage downwards, do it in the ticket office, the people working the electricity, that sort of thing.
“If you can show that sort of empathy with all the employees he’ll make a great start.”
