Manchester United's chief executive, Omar Berrada, has voiced his confidence that the club can achieve a historic milestone by 2028: simultaneously winning the men's and women's league titles. This ambitious goal, set against the backdrop of the club's 150th anniversary, comes despite recent struggles on both fronts.
Berrada, who introduced his "Project 150" vision to staff in September of last year, acknowledges the significant challenges ahead. The men's team is coming off a season where they finished 15th, their worst top-flight performance since being relegated in the 1973-74 season, and also lost the Europa League final to Tottenham. Meanwhile, Chelsea continues to dominate the Women's Super League, a league where Manchester United finished third, 16 points behind the champions, also losing the FA Cup final to Chelsea.
Despite these hurdles, Berrada remains steadfast in his belief that the double title win is attainable. In an interview with the United We Stand fanzine, Berrada emphasized the importance of setting ambitious targets to focus the club's efforts. "It's establishing a series of targets within a timeframe so we can focus our efforts and energy on that goal," he stated. "Can the team win the Premier League title by 2028? Of course...We've just finished 15th and it seems an impossible task. But why not aim for it? Why not do everything in our power?"
Berrada is counting on upcoming transfer windows to significantly strengthen the squad. "I firmly believe we can do it. We have two or three summer windows to build a team to start competing to win the Premier League," he said. This suggests a strategy of investing in versatile players who can adapt to manager Ruben Amorim's vision of a more attacking and possession-based style of football. Data analytics will also play a crucial role in identifying and recruiting the right talent.
However, challenges remain. The men's team's recent struggles highlight the need for significant improvement and strategic investment. The competitive landscape of the Premier League, with multiple clubs vying for the top spots, makes winning the title a daunting task. For the women's team, overhauling Chelsea's dominance in the WSL will require substantial investment and development.
Berrada is also implementing a transformation plan to improve the club's financial sustainability and operational efficiency. This includes measures to cut costs and create a leaner, more agile organization. While these measures may involve difficult decisions, such as potential redundancies, they are deemed necessary to put the club on a stable financial footing and enable future investment in on-field success and improved facilities. "We have a responsibility to put Manchester United in the strongest position to win across our men's, women's and academy teams," Berrada stated.
Ultimately, Berrada's confidence in achieving the double title win by 2028 reflects a broader vision for Manchester United's future. It's a vision that combines ambitious on-field goals with a commitment to financial stability and strategic investment. While the road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, Berrada's leadership and clear plan offer a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see Manchester United reclaim its place at the pinnacle of English football.
