Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada Discusses Future Plans and Transfers

In a revealing interview, Omar Berrada, the Chief Executive Officer of Manchester United, reflected on his tumultuous first year at the helm and outlined the club's strategic vision for the future. Berrada's tenure has been marked by significant challenges, including a disappointing performance in the Premier League and a series of staff redundancies. However, he expressed optimism about the club's direction and his plans to restore Manchester United to its former glory.

Berrada, who stepped into the CEO role in July 2024, previously held prominent positions at FC Barcelona and Manchester City, where he developed a keen understanding of both the commercial and footballing aspects of the sport. In an interview conducted on June 2, 2025, he discussed key topics including the appointment of manager Ruben Amorim, the club's transfer strategies, and the need for a more sustainable operational model.

**Context and Significance** The significance of Berrada's leadership cannot be overstated, as Manchester United navigates a challenging period characterized by poor on-field performances and financial strain. The club finished the previous season in 15th place, a stark contrast to its historical reputation as one of the most successful teams in the Premier League. Berrada emphasized the need for a long-term vision, dubbed 'Project 150,' which aims to achieve specific milestones by the club's 150th anniversary in 2028.

**Key Developments** In his interview, Berrada detailed the decision to appoint Ruben Amorim as manager. He acknowledged that mid-season appointments often pose challenges, yet he believes Amorim's early tenure has provided valuable insights into the team's needs. "We have a very clear roadmap of how we’re going to get there," Berrada stated, referring to the club's two-to-three-year plan to build a competitive squad capable of winning the Premier League.

Berrada compared Amorim's situation to that of Pep Guardiola, who faced a difficult first season at Manchester City before achieving success. "Pep stuck to his principles, and the club backed him that summer," Berrada noted, reflecting on the importance of stability and support for a manager.

Despite the recent struggles, Berrada believes that the worst is behind the club. He stated, "We’ve taken all the short-term pain this season, but as of this summer, the worst bit is going to be behind us." This confidence is underscored by the club's commitment to integrating academy players and investing in future talent, aligning with their long-term sustainability goals.

**Transfer Strategies** Berrada highlighted the club's proactive approach in the summer transfer window, emphasizing the importance of making smart decisions. He expressed excitement about the recent signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5 million, describing the player as having the potential to resonate with fans due to his versatile skill set. "He’s a player that I think fans are going to love," Berrada remarked, drawing comparisons to club legend Eric Cantona.

However, he also acknowledged the necessity of balancing the books, indicating that some players may need to exit the club to ensure financial stability. Berrada's focus on financial health reflects a broader trend in football, where clubs are increasingly held accountable for their financial practices, particularly in light of Financial Fair Play regulations.

**Apologies and Accountability** The CEO addressed the negative publicity surrounding the club, particularly regarding staff redundancies and ticket pricing changes. He apologized for not foreseeing the financial difficulties that led to layoffs and acknowledged that the decision to increase ticket prices for younger fans and seniors was poorly communicated. Berrada emphasized the importance of engaging with supporters and learning from past mistakes, stating, "What I accept is that the way it was rolled out was not good."

**Conclusion and Future Outlook** As Manchester United embarks on this new chapter under Omar Berrada's leadership, the focus will be on rebuilding both the team's performance and the club's relationship with its supporters. With 'Project 150' and a commitment to sustainable practices, Berrada aims to restore Manchester United to its rightful place among football's elite. The upcoming season will be critical as the club seeks to implement its strategies and demonstrate tangible improvements on and off the pitch. As Berrada aptly put it, "I firmly believe that we can do it. We have two or three summer windows to build a team to start competing to win the Premier League."