Ferdinand hails Man Utd's best January signing and cannot believe he's joined

23 January 2024 , 08:40

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Rio Ferdinand has hailed Manchester United's capture of Omar Berrada (Image: FIVE)

Rio Ferdinand believes that Omar Berrada will be Manchester United's most important signing this month after the highly-regarded executive was poached from arch-rivals Manchester City.

United announced earlier this week that Berrada, 46, will become their new chief executive officer after luring him away from the City Football Group. Landing the French-Moroccan, who has also held roles at Barcelona, is regarded as a major coup for United.

The appointment of Berrada is the first significant move made since Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe struck a £1.25billion deal for a minority stake in the club with the Glazer family.

And Ferdinand has waxed lyrical about the capture of Berrada, branding him as United's "best January signing". Speaking on FIVE, he said: "I spoke to some guys who were at Manchester City. They cannot believe we have got him.

"They think he has done so much in the game at different levels and has been successful and that it is a really good, sharp signing for us. I think this could potentially be one of our best January signings. In the current climate, we are in now, especially."

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To date, Berrada is United's only acquisition since the January transfer window opened. It currently remains to be seen if Erik ten Hag will be able to strengthen his squad ahead of the February 1 deadline.

The Dutchman would like reinforcements, particularly in attack, however, it seems more likely that he will remould his squad in the summer transfer window - when Ratcliffe and Ineos will be fully in place.

Join the debate! Do you think Berrada is a coup for Man Utd? Let us know here.

Berrada has been poached from the City Football Group by United (PA)

Ten Hag himself admitted last month that he felt it was unlikely any major acquisitions would be made in January. When he was asked about potential transfer activity during an interview with United We Stand, he said: "I don’t think so — and if so, the approach from United should be that if you can improve your team, then you should do.

"What we expect from every player coming to Carrington every day is for them to give their maximum, to give their best. As a club, you have to look for improvements, so if you can find better and it’s realistic financially and with financial fair play, I think the club has to go with it.

"But realistically, in relation to the market, most of the time you don’t attract the best players in the winter. The top, top players will not leave their clubs in the winter. It’s players who are disappointed, injured or just not the right fit or whatever."

Dan Marsh