Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada told staff the aim is to win the Premier League title in 2028, on the a hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the club's founding.
Berrada, who officially moved from rivals Manchester City in June, addressed staff at a gathering at Old Trafford last Wednesday and outlined the shared ambitions of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the football hierarchy.
Berrada briefed employees on “Project 150” – so called since it coincides with a very powerful milestone in United's existence. The club was founded in 1878 under the name Newton Heath before changing its name to Manchester United in 1902.
This defined goal highlights the work required of the team as United currently sit eleventh within the Premier League after two wins, a draw and two defeats. United also drew of their opening game of the Europa League against FC Twente, the lowest-ranked team they may face at Old Trafford within the competition.
Berrada also talked in regards to the women's team winning their first title this 12 months, which also played a vital role. He tried to strike an ambitious tone, accepting that it might take plenty of exertions, quite than appearing optimistic.
Go deeper
Ten Hag questions Man Utd mentality: 'We were too relaxed'
Berrada's daring comments were met with mixed sentiments by a workforce audience after job cuts saw its 1,000-strong workforce reduced by 1 / 4. People who’ve been with the club for several years have left, resulting in feelings of anger and dejection, while others are energized on the prospect of the club becoming more sportingly driven.
Ratcliffe's arrival was the catalyst for the layoffs to lower your expenses, the club says, but his most important motivation was for United to win major titles again. In his first round of media interviews in February after securing his 27.7 percent investment, he brought up the a hundred and fiftieth anniversary.
“It’s not a 10-year plan. With a 10-year plan, fans would run out of patience. But it’s certainly a three-year plan to get there,” he said.
“To imagine that we’ll play pretty much as good football next 12 months as Manchester City did against Real Madrid last season will not be reasonable. And if we give people false expectations, they might be dissatisfied. So the important thing thing is our history so that folks can see that we’re making progress.
United's recent hierarchy has set its ambitions (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
“I think the club will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2028. If our development leads to a very good position within this time frame, we would be very satisfied with that. Because it's not easy to make Manchester United the best football team in the world.
“The ultimate goal for Manchester United – and that will always be the case – is that we fight for the Premier League and for the Champions League. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
Ahead of the Liverpool game earlier this month, which United lost 3-0, Berrada and Dan Ashworth, the club's newly appointed sporting director, spoke to the media.
“Erik has our full support and we have worked very closely together in this transfer window,” said Berrada. “We will continue to work very closely with him to help him get the best results from the team. Do we still believe in Erik? Absolutely. We think Erik is the right coach for us and we fully support him.”
United return to motion against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Go deeper
Analysis of Ashworth and Berrada's transfer briefing to Man Utd – 'Erik has our full support'
image credit : www.nytimes.com