Manchester City were reportedly taken by surprise when they learned Omar Berrada would be leaving for Manchester United.
The Red Devils announced the appointment on Saturday evening, with City discovering the news just a few days before.
Berrada will become the new chief executive at Old Trafford after being lured to leave City for their rivals.
The Daily Mail claims the reigning Premier League champions were not expecting his departure, with Sir Dave Brailsford having a big impact on the move.
Man City were taken by surprise when Omar Berrada was confirmed to join Man Utd
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Berrada has been the chief football operations officer at City Football Group since September 2020 after previously holding roles as group commercial director and director of partnership sales.
City's director of football Txiki Begiristain is said to have been particularly shocked to learn that he was leaving for United.
Berrada worked closely with Begiristain to pull off some of City's biggest signings in recent years.
It is quite the coup for United as they enter a new era following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's £1.3billion investment.
The INEOS founder is expecting the purchase of 25 per cent of United to be ratified in the first couple of weeks of February.
His right-hand man Brailsford is claimed to have first made contact with Berrada in December after he was identified to be a part of United's revival.
Berrada also spoke with Ratcliffe and the club's majority shareholders, the Glazers.
Patrick Stewart replaced Richard Arnold as CEO towards the end of 2023 and will remain in the role until the summer before Berrada starts.
United outlined the impact they want Berrada to make in a statement on Saturday.
They said: "The Club is determined to put football and performance on the pitch back at the heart of everything we do. Omar's appointment represents the first step on this journey.
"It is our stated ambition to re-establish Manchester United as a title-winning club.
"We are pleased that Omar will be joining us to help achieve that goal, so that, once again, United fans can see, in the words of Sir Matt Busby, the red flag flying high at the summit of English, European and world football."
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Omar Berrada had been the chief football operations officer at City Football Group
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Meanwhile, City confirmed Berrada's departure and thanked him for the work he has carried out.
The Etihad club said: "Manchester City Football Club can confirm that Omar Berrada has resigned from his role as chief football operations officer at City Football Group.
"The club understands his decision to look for a new challenge and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes."
Ratcliffe made a first public appearance since agreeing his investment at United's 2-2 draw against Tottenham earlier this month.
Omar Berrada played a big role in Man City transfers in recent years
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The British billionaire admitted the Red Devils project is the most exciting he has entered.
He said: "Correct. Yes. I have done a few exciting things but this caps it all.
"I can’t come all the time because I have a few other things to manage, but I’ll come quite a lot."