Omar Berrada, the new Chief Operating Officer of Manchester United, has reiterated the club’s commitment to women’s football. In July last year, he announced his ambitious “Project 150” vision – double title success by 2028. Berrada, who previously served as the chief football operations officer at City Football Group, believes that overcoming challenges will be crucial for the club’s resurgence on both men’s and women’s fronts.
In a staff meeting last September, Berrada introduced the concept of “Project 150.” This strategic initiative is the first step to articulate specific ambitious targets for the club’s long-term future. He conceded that reaching all these goals would be a major feat, but sounded hopeful about the team’s prospects and his players’ futures.
Commitment to Women’s Football
Berrada’s point was that, in intent and resources, Manchester United is all in on making the women’s team work. He stated, “We have been a bit distracted with all the issues around the men’s first team but we are committed to making the women’s team very successful.” This commitment comes at a time when women’s football has never received such overwhelming support and recognition. Berrada is resolute in his aim of making Manchester United one of the leading players in this dynamic space.
He underscored the importance of building a strong foundation for the women’s team, focusing on long-term success rather than immediate results. This strategic planning nexus is at the very heart of “Project 150,” this detailed plan that stretches over five seasons.
Aiming for Premier League Glory
Berrada’s aspirations extend beyond women’s football. He expressed confidence that Manchester United can win the Premier League title by 2028, stating, “Can the team win the Premier League title by 2028? Of course.” The club’s recent malaise, most notably a 15th-place finish last season, illustrates the challenge that remains.
Berrada looked at what’s been troubling first-team manager Ruben Amorim in the present. He likened these challenges to ones that Pep Guardiola faced in his first year at Manchester City. What he highlighted was what he wasn’t winning. There were even fears around whether he could adapt his football vision to the Premier League. He stuck to his principles. Berrada hopes that Amorim’s struggles now will prove invaluable for the young coach, making him a better leader and Manchester United more successful in the years ahead.
Building Towards Success
Berrada understands that immediate changes are unrealistic. As SCFC President, he said, “Nothing is going to get fixed with one summer window, but we are definitely moving in the right direction.” He thinks Manchester United has a small window of opportunity. They only have two or three summers to put together a competitive team that can compete for championships.
What we can learn from his approach is setting bold, clear targets with realistic deadlines. “It’s establishing a series of targets within a timeframe so we can focus our efforts and energy on that goal,” he explained. His patient approach looks to build that beneficial cycle and ultimately return Manchester United to their former glory as a global football power.
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