SIR JIM'S DAYLIGHT SHRUBBERY

United poach City's chief football operations officer... but Berrada must stay on garden leave for fear he will grass on latest Etihad transfer dealings

- JEREMY CROSS

INCOMING Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada has been placed on gardening leave until the summer following his shock decision to quit Manchester City.

New United joint-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe personally sanctioned the appointment of Berrada following talks with the Glazers.

Berrada resigned from his role as City's chief football operations officer, after agreeing a deal to join bitter rivals United.

But the neighbours have struck an agreement that will see Berrada wait until close to the start of next season before taking up his role at Old Trafford.

City bosses were keen to avoid Berrada leaking details of their upcoming transfer targets and contract offers to potential signings.

Ratcliffe identified Berrada as the preferred successor to Richard Arnold, who left ahead of Ratcliffe securing a 25 percent stake in United for £1.3billion.