Manchester United’s Chief Executive, Omar Berrada, has outlined ambitions for the team to win the Premier League title by 2028, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the club’s establishment. This comes from a meeting with staff at Old Trafford discussing ‘Project 150’ and the intentions of the football hierarchy, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe. This ambition sets a clear goal for the team and exposes the work required to climb from their current 11th place in the Premier League, with two wins, one draw and two defeats so far this season.
Berrada also emphasised the importance of the women’s team achieving their first title by the same deadline. He acknowledged that realising these aspirations would necessitate significant effort. Meanwhile, Ratcliffe has focused his energies on returning United to the winner’s circle. In interviews after his significant investment into the club, he stressed the importance of gradual progress over a three-year span rather than rapid success.
The redundancies prompted by Ratcliffe’s arrival, reducing the workforce by a quarter, have evoked mixed emotions. While some feel despondency and upset, others are invigorated by the club’s commitment to sporting objectives. At a media address ahead of a match against Liverpool, Berrada and newly-appointed Sporting Director, Dan Ashworth, expressed continued support for coach Erik, despite a 3-0 loss in said match.
Looking ahead to the game against Tottenham Hotspurs, coach Ten Hag reaffirmed his commitment to developing young players like (Rasmus) Hojlund, (Joshua) Zirkzee and Leny Yoro. He acknowledged the impatience to succeed, but insisted that progress takes time. Despite challenges, there is confidence and hope moving forward to achieve the goals outlined in ‘Project 150’.
