Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has reaffirmed the club’s ambitious target of winning both the men’s and women’s league titles by 2028, in celebration of the club’s 150th anniversary.
The initiative, known internally as “Project 150”, was first presented to staff in September 2024. United was founded as Newton Heath in 1878, and Berrada sees the club’s sesquicentennial as a landmark opportunity to return to domestic dominance.
Despite the men’s team recently suffering their worst season since their 1973–74 relegation, and the women’s team needing to dethrone Chelsea’s unbeaten treble winners, Berrada insists the vision remains firm.
“Can the team win the Premier League by 2028? Of course,” Berrada said in an in-depth interview with fanzine United We Stand.
“We’ve just finished 15th and it might look impossible. But why not aim high? Why not do everything in our power to get there?”
Inspiration from Barcelona’s Comeback
Berrada draws parallels with Barcelona’s turnaround in the early 2000s. In 2002-03, the Catalan giants finished sixth, 22 points behind champions Real Madrid. Just three years later, they were crowned Champions League winners.
“I firmly believe we can do it. We’ve got two or three summer transfer windows to build a team that can challenge again.”
He emphasized that while the club isn’t waiting until 2028 to aim for success, having a clear timeframe helps align focus and efforts across all levels of the organization.
Difficult Backdrop, but Renewed Optimism
Berrada acknowledges the club is navigating challenges, including their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, which he estimates cost United £80–£90 million in lost revenue, as well as a second wave of staff layoffs.
Still, he remains optimistic, especially with the £50 million renovation of the Carrington training ground nearing completion. The upgraded facility is set to benefit both the men’s and women’s teams.
“We’ve been a bit distracted by issues with the men’s first team,” Berrada admitted, “but we’re fully committed to building a successful women’s team too.”
He echoed the sentiments of minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who said anyone wearing the United shirt has a duty to win.
Backing Coach Ruben Amorim: “A Lot Like Guardiola”
Berrada also expressed strong support for head coach Ruben Amorim, who joined from Sporting Lisbon in November 2024. The CEO, who previously worked closely with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, sees clear similarities between the two.
“Pep’s first year was tough. People doubted if his style could work in the Premier League. But he stayed true to his philosophy,” Berrada said.
“I see a lot of that in Ruben Amorim. He’s faced difficulties, but those experiences will make the team stronger next season.”
A Turning Point Ahead
Looking ahead, Berrada believes the toughest part of Manchester United’s transformation is now behind them.
“It’s not going to be fixed in one transfer window, but we’re on the right path.
We’re now moving from transition to building—and I’m very confident we’ll return to the top.”
