Omar Berrada coup makes Sir Jim Ratcliffe's dream Manchester United appointment seem possible

Sir Jim Ratcliffe asked Manchester United fans for 'time and patience' when he announced his minority investment less than a month ago. It's not taken that long for many doubters to be won over already.

There was always going to be an air of scepticism and doubt over Ratcliffe's revolutionary vision for United, especially when he was working alongside the Glazers rather than replacing them altogether.

But the early signs are very promising. Ratcliffe has already spoken openly and honestly with supporters and shown he really does mean business with the coup of Omar Berrada from Man City.

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Ratcliffe wants United to become the industry leaders again, with best-in-class apointments across all areas of the business. Berrada is certainly considered that, though it's crucial to see why he is.

Any club will insist that football matters are the most important but the importance of growing the business side of things is almost equally important. Berrada did that at City, ensuring that the club grew as astronomically off the pitch as they did on it.

They are the market leaders and one of the richest clubs in the world, yet they still drive a hard bargain in the transfer market and have a strict contract policy in place. That is the authority and respect United hopes to gain by appointing Berrada.

A key reason why he was so successful at the Etihad and the Camp Nou is because he was a crucial cog in a well-oiled, wider machine. Everyone knew their role and responsibilities and worked in tandem to deliver the same underlying goal of making City the best in the world.

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