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Manchester United will “prioritise” the appointment of a sporting director when incoming chief executive Omar Berrada officially joins the club, according to David Ornstein.
The Red Devils have managed to reach an agreement to remove Berrada from Manchester City, where he is their director of football operations.
This is considered a tremendous appointment for Sir Jim Ratcliffe.which is in the process of acquiring a 25 per cent stake in the Premier League giants.
Ratcliffe beat Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim in the race for the acquisition and quickly got to work.
However, there is a long road ahead and United are expected to undergo a massive but necessary renovation.
Bringing in Berrada is a good way to set the tone and the City man is expected to be quickly followed through the Old Trafford door by a new transfer guru.
Interim chief executive Patrick Stewart will likely remain in the role while Berrada completes his six-month gardening leave, but the former Barcelona boss is expected to have a say in the comings and goings between now and June.
READ MORE: Man Utd revolution illustrated by high-profile exit as Omar Berrada walks through the door
This is according to David Ornstein, who says the “priority” for Ratcliffe is to bring in a new sporting director and INEOS will want to do a lot of things before the summer.
Responding in a question and answer session about The AthleticOrnstein said: “I would hope that now that a CEO has been named, other key roles (sports director, head of recruiting or whatever the title is) will remain a priority.”
“United/INEOS will want to get everything they can before the summer window, but this is easier said than done because Berrada is not allowed to work for the club during his six-month gardening leave and any such appointment will require meetings with – and blessing of – the CEO.
“In addition, even where such positions are filled, successful candidates may have their own start dates subject to contractual restrictions.”
Ornstein added that the Red Devils appreciate Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth and would not be surprised if he joined.
“Now that United has a CEO, it adds another voice to the conversation and a crucial voice,” he said.
‘Berrada will have his own thoughts on the candidates and will need to meet with them before deciding who he wants to go for, as well as whether his preferences are in line with those of INEOS and the Glazers. That will take some time, especially as he will not be allowed to work for United until the summer.
“We all know that INEOS thinks highly of Ashworth and we wouldn’t be surprised if they chose him, but there will be other contenders too and if he’s the one they go for, we don’t know if he’ll want to do it.” take the step or how complicated it will be to leave Newcastle.
“Paul Mitchell is out of a job and I’m sure many clubs will consider him given the level of his work and reputation. But I’m not aware of any move to United underway at this time.
‘Obviously next week will be really important. Ideally, I’m sure United would like to make decisions in that period and then try to get the people they want for the summer…
‘The chosen candidates may have contractual restrictions that complicate the process. So there’s a lot to figure out!’
United are back in action this weekend when they face Newport in the FA Cup fourth round and manager Erik ten Hag has been boosted by the return of Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire to full training.
Casemiro and Lisandro Martínez returned to the team when United drew 2-2 with Tottenham last time out, with the latter coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute in the Premier League match on January 14.
Amad Diallo, who was absent from the previous two teams, also appeared in the photo with the Ten Hag group.
But there was no sign of Anthony Martial, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelof or Mason Mount in the images. André Onana and Sofyan Amrabat are still in the African Cup of Nations.
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