Manchester United made a big statement at the start of 2024 with a move to hire Omar Berrada as chief executive, and it is already paying off.
One of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first moves after Ineos took control at Manchester United was to appoint Omar Berrada as chief executive.
The move to hire Berrada caused a real stir, with Berrada poached away from rivals City. It was a clear show of intent.
Berrada officially began at Manchester United earlier in July, and he has already helped to make an impact.
Omar Berrada role in Leny Yoro deal
Aside from Omar Berrada’s arrival, this is shaping up as a big month for the Manchester United playing squad, with the transfer window kicking into gear.
Ineos pulled off a major coup this week with Leny Yoro deciding to join Manchester United instead of Real Madrid.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Omar Berrada played a key role in the transfer deal, with Manchester United now confirming the arrival of Leny Yoro.
The report states: “Omar Berrada, the United chief executive and former Barça and Manchester City player, did not give up when Yoro’s agent, Jorge Mendes, made it clear to him months ago that the French centre-back’s priority was to sign for Real Madrid.
“He also gave the same message to PSG and Liverpool, the defender’s other suitors, who backed out when they found out that Yoro was opting for the European champions. But United did not give up.”
The report added that Berrada wanted Manchester United to make a splash, and this fed his determination to complete the deal for Leny Yoro.
Berrada’s reported role in this deal highlights what an asset he is to the club. While he is not principally involved in the transfer business, he will be aware and involved in some high-level discussions, and has a wealth of contacts in the game from his years of experience.
Paris Saint-Germain’s error
Manchester United’s determination to see through the Leny Yoro deal is at contrast with Paris Saint-Germain’s failure to get the deal done.
L’Equipe describe a ‘strategic error’ on the part of owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who was counting on his connections to Lille shareholder Maarten Petermann.
However, the newspaper report that Petermann does not play an active role in the sporting affairs at Lille, and Al-Khelaifi’s confidence was misplaced,
Yoro is now almost officially a Manchester United player, with the Red Devils almost beating Liverpool to the deal, who had made the defender a ‘prime target‘.