Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has shared with staff the goal of winning the Premier League title in 2028, coinciding with the club’s 150th anniversary.
Berrada, who recently moved from Manchester City, spoke to employees at Old Trafford last Wednesday, outlining the ambitions set by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the football leadership.
Berrada revealed details of “Project 150,” named after United’s significant milestone. The club, initially known as Newton Heath before becoming Manchester United in 1902, was founded in 1878.
This specific target highlights the work required on the team, considering United’s current 11th position in the Premier League after two wins, one draw, and two losses. The team also drew their opening game in the Europa League against FC Twente.
Berrada also emphasized the women’s team winning their first title by 2028. He adopted an aspirational tone, acknowledging the need for hard work rather than appearing overly confident.
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Berrada’s bold statements were met with mixed reactions from staff, especially following the recent job cuts reducing the workforce by a quarter. While some longtime employees have left, causing sadness and disappointment, others are excited about the club’s renewed focus on sporting goals.
Ratcliffe’s arrival led to job redundancies as a cost-saving measure, with the primary aim of United winning major trophies again, discussed in his initial media interviews after his investment in February.
United’s new hierarchy have mapped out their ambitions (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
“It’s not a 10-year plan. The fans would run out of patience if it was a 10-year plan. But it’s certainly a three-year plan to get there,” Ratcliffe mentioned in one interview.
“The ultimate target for Manchester United — and it’s always going to be thus, really — is that we should be challenging for the Premier League and challenging for the Champions League. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
Before the recent game against Liverpool, Berrada and Dan Ashworth, the club’s new sporting director, addressed the media regarding their support for the team’s coach Erik.
Speaking before United’s match against Tottenham Hotspur, Ten Hag discussed their progress, focusing on signing young players to build for the future.
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(Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)