Berrada's city switch a rare United coup

MANCHESTER City are ahead of United in almost every sector and that is also the case in comms.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

Those who know Omar Berrada says he is comfortable in the limelight, so he is bound to have revelled in the attention he generated on Saturday night.

City were first to react to the news Berrada was crossing the city divide. The champions quickly framed a flattering narrative even though United had poached a time-served and vital employee.

City conceded they are sorry to lose Berrada but it is validation they are the best-in-class at football operations.

United have pulled off a rare coup and had an open goal. They missed it. A puff of smoke did not emerge from Old Trafford until 9.30pm on Saturday, not an optimum time for online news and possibly too late to make first editions.

Their 187-word statement does mark a significant departure at hierarchical level. While Ineos await regulatory approval, co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer remain the power brokers. United sources say there was "consultation" with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

But this is Ratcliffe's appointment. He has not settled for an in-house Glazer stooge and instead headhunted someone synonymous with success rather than failure.