Ratcliffe praised for 'elite' move in 'best Man Utd signing since kid Ronaldo'
SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has already pulled off a major coup, with an elite appointment hailed as Manchester United's best signing since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003.
That is the verdict from club legends after United's new 25% owner lured Omar Berrada from neighbors Man City to become CEO at Old Trafford.
2
And Etihad chiefs reportedly “can't believe” their Chief Football Operations Officer has switched his allegiance to Manchester.
In the meantime, The Athletics The signing of Berrada is United's first move in a decade, according to a senior figure at a Premier League club.
Other well-placed people have gone further, comparing his arrival to Ronaldo's at 18.
The Portuguese winger, now a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, spent six brilliant years at United before joining Real Madrid in 2009.
Ronaldo, who turns 39 next month, helped United to the Champions League and Prem double in 2008.
In total, he won the title three times at Old Trafford, as well as triumphing once in the FA Cup and twice in the League Cup.
Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville have taken credit for their former club's recruitment of Berrada.
Ferdy in turn excitedly discussed the impending change at the top for United Vibe with Five podcast.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
Berrada has a long association with City's Treble-winning manager Pep Guardiola, having also worked with the Spaniard at Barcelona.
And ex-England defender Ferdinand said: “I've spoken to a few lads who were at Manchester City. They can't believe we've got him.”
“They think he has done so much in the game at different levels and has been successful and this is a really good, sharp signing for us.
“I think this could potentially be one of our best signings in January. We're in the current climate especially now.”
And Neville is also impressed, although he insists Berrada has a huge job ahead of him to transform the club's fortunes.
The former Three Lions right-back, who is now a Sky Sports pundit, said: “It's a big job being CEO of Manchester United and you think about all the things he must be doing.
“They haven't had someone who has operated in football for a long time and that is very important.
“He's had a brilliant spell at Manchester City and Barcelona. It looks like Man United are making better decisions and are on the right track.”
MAN UTD NEWS LIVE: Keep up to date with the latest transfer news from Old Trafford