Manchester United are reportedly set to appoint Omar Berrada as their new CEO, with Manchester City confirming that he has left his role at the club as chief football operations officer.
The 20-time English champions have been looking for a new CEO since Richard Arnold's exit, and it had been thought that Jean-Claude Blanc would be handed the role.
Blanc is expected to be involved in the new set-up under incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, while Sir David Brailsford will also take on a major position at Old Trafford.
However, according to The Athletic, Berrada is preparing to arrive from Man City as the new chief executive, and he will also sit on the board of directors.
The report claims that Berrada has been working closely with Man City director of football Txiki Begiristain, including being heavily involved in transfers and contracts.
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Berrada worked as commercial director for City Football Marketing before being promoted to chief operating officer at Man City in 2016, and he will arrive at Old Trafford with a huge reputation.
"Manchester City Football Club can confirm that Omar Berrada has resigned from his role as chief football operations officer at City Football Group," read a statement from the club, as quoted by The Athletic.
"The club understands his decision to look for a new challenge and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes."
Berrada was senior media business development manager and head of sponsorship at Barcelona, working with the La Liga champions for almost eight years, ahead of his move to Man City, and he has been credited with playing a major role in the club's recent success.
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Patrick Stewart has been Man United's interim CEO since the departure of Arnold, but it is understood that he was never being considered for the role on a permanent basis.
According to BBC Sport, Berrada's arrival will officially occur over the summer, and it has been described as an 'amicable' exit from Man City despite the rivalry between the two clubs.
Berrada is believed to have been the leading choice for Ratcliffe, who is expected to have his 25% purchase of Man United ratified by the Premier League within the next four weeks.
Ratcliffe is taking over the football department at Old Trafford and is believed to have major changes planned due to the club's struggles over the last 10 years following Sir Alex Ferguson's exit.
Matt Law
