Manchester United wants to dethrone City from its position.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Dan Ashworth to join as sporting director after landing Omar Berrada
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been forewarned by Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak that his team will continue to grow and prosper despite Omar Berrada’s poaching.
When it was revealed earlier this year that Berrada would be leaving his position as City’s chief football operations officer to become United’s chief executive this summer, Manchester United pulled off a stunning coup.
Despite United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s claim that he wants to end their supremacy, Khaldoon is convinced that the “machine” at the Etihad can continue to make City the biggest power in English football.
Ratcliffe stated, “We have a lot to learn from our noisy neighbour and the other neighbour [Liverpool],” upon the announcement of his transfer to United. In the end, they are the adversary. Nothing would please me more than to topple both of them from their position.
However, they have been doing well for a while, and we may take some lessons from both of them. They operate in excellent, motivated, and top environments and have sensible organisations with wonderful employees. Even if I have the utmost respect for them, they remain my enemies.
When Berrada’s gardening leave finishes on July 13, he will formally join United as a senior executive. Meanwhile, former City Academy head Jason Wilcox has joined as technical director following a stint at Southampton.
It’s a part of a larger pattern at City where staff members, such as managers Rodolfo Borrell and coach Enzo Maresca, go to work for rival teams.
In an interview with the club’s media channels, Khaldoon was asked his thoughts on such exits and responded, “Frankly? Thrilled. It indicates to you that we excel at all we do.
The world’s top teams are vying for senior executives, medical professionals, physiotherapists, and coaches. If anything, I believe that proves we’re headed in the right direction. It validates a few things: a) that we’re doing things correctly; b) the people; c) our system, which continues to create talent at every level and has excellent leadership and management.
“Every facet of the football industry, including managing, coaching, and playing. Naturally, you understand when you see people who receive an offer for a fantastic position at another club. People will naturally take on new difficulties.
However, I believe that one thing they take away with them, and perhaps something I will always sense, is that they depart from the club feeling grateful for their time there. They depart appreciative of the support this club has given them in their professional lives, and I believe they will always cherish our time together.
“We will exert every effort to retain the individuals we wish to keep.” We can’t always win them all. However, that’s just natural evolution.
Khaldoon has also cautioned United and other rivals of City that the departures won’t make them weaker. He is happy with how the club’s main ownership group has developed into a potent force in international competition.
Khaldoon is especially pleased with the club’s sound financial standing, as seen by last year’s record-breaking £712.8 million in revenue and £80.4 million profit.
“I’m really happy with the outcome,” Khaldoon stated in his season-ending assessment. “We have a really solid foundation that has been developed over many years, which is why the outcomes are so sustainable. Our economy and finances are operated by a machine.
“I believe we are moving forward on a trajectory that has been in place for years and is only getting stronger.”
“The model functions. Our group comprises excellent clubs, a superb management staff, and an excellent system. City Football Group is not a survival test anymore. It’s now a fully operational sports and entertainment system that keeps expanding.
