21 January 2024 , 22:51
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Manchester United have made their first public admission that under the Glazers, footballing success has not been their first priority.
The American family have owned United for nearly two decades, during which the 20-time English champions have suffered a stark decline on the pitch while undoubtedly being successful commercially. Now with boyhood United fan and British petrochemicals mogul Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to become a 25 per cent stake holder, it's emerging that the Glazers finally recognise their shortcomings.
Through his conglomerate, INEOS, Ratcliffe has pledged to help bring the Red Devils back to the top of European football, and the appointment of new CEO Omar Berrada, formerly of local rivals Manchester City, marks a significant moment in United's transformation. The club's statement announcing Berrada's arrival from across town also included a notable sentence which reflects Ratcliffe and Co's ambitions, and the Glazers' misguided priorities since 2005.
"The club is determined to put football and performance on the pitch back at the heart of everything we do," it read. "Omar's appointment represents the first step on this journey."
While Berrada's appointment was ultimately made by the Glazers, a report from the Daily Mail claims that it was INEOS' director of sport, Sir Dave Brailsford, who made the first approach in December. A meeting with Ratcliffe followed before a summit involving Glazer brothers Joel and Avram.
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Berrada made his name at Barcelona between 2004 and 2011. The Paris-born chief then joined City Football Group, spending the last seven years as chief operating officer and being considered one of the most important people within their winning machine.
Your turn! Will Sir Jim Ratcliffe bring the glory days back to Manchester United? Let us know in the comments section.
Omar Berrada has been confirmed as Manchester United's new CEO (PA)United also said: "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 re-establish Manchester United as a title-winning club.
"We are pleased that Omar will be joining us to help achieve that goal, so that, once again, United fans can see, in the words of Sir Matt Busby, the red flag flying high at the summit of English, European and world football. Omar's start date will be confirmed in due course; in the meantime, Patrick Stewart will continue as interim CEO."