Man City 'insiders' can't believe Manchester United have appointed Omar Berrada

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has claimed his Manchester City sources are shocked that their bitter cross-city rivals have managed to persuade Omar Berrada to join as the club's new chief executive.

After Richard Arnold's exit from the Reds last November, Patrick Stewart has been keeping things ticking over in an interim role. With INEOS' investment announced on Christmas Eve, subject to Premier League ratification, many had expected their current CEO, and former Juventus and PSG chief Jean-Claude Blanc, to be Arnold's successor.

However, Blanc has just been named on the board of directors and not as the club's new CEO. Instead, United pulled off one of the coups of the season on Saturday when they announced Berrada was joining the club.

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An official start date has yet to be confirmed but it is believed the 46-year-old will take on his new role at the end of the season. Many Reds fans were caught by surprise at the announcement and are optimistic for the future.

Reflecting on the news on Vibe with Five, Ferdinand claimed the shock was matched in the City ranks. "I spoke to some guys who are at City - they can't believe we've got him," he explained.

"They think 'wow'. He's done so much in the game, at different levels. And he's been successful. And it's a really good, sharp signing for us.

"I think this could potentially be one of our best January signings, from the current climate especially." Announcing his arrival, United emphasised how Berrada's track record of success on the pitch would be crucial for rebuilding the Reds.

In a statement, United said: "The