Manchester United, one of the most iconic football clubs in the world, has been undergoing a significant transition in recent years. With the club’s last Premier League triumph dating back to Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2013, fans have been eagerly awaiting a return to dominance. Now, under the leadership of new CEO Omar Berrada, the Red Devils have set a clear and ambitious goal: to win the Premier League title by 2028, marking the club’s 150th anniversary.
Berrada, who joined Manchester United in the summer of 2024 after being poached from rival club Manchester City, revealed the club’s long-term strategy during a private meeting with staff at Old Trafford. Dubbed ‘Project 150’, the initiative outlines the club’s plan to secure domestic and international success, focusing heavily on rebuilding the squad, reshaping the club’s infrastructure, and reinvigorating its global brand.
Restoring Manchester United’s Legacy
For much of the past decade, Manchester United has struggled to consistently compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe. The club has cycled through multiple managers, each of whom struggled to match the success of Ferguson’s era. Although they have secured a few trophies, including FA Cups and Europa League titles, the Premier League has remained elusive.
Omar Berrada’s arrival signals a fresh start for the club. As part of the new hierarchy, alongside sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox, Berrada has set the foundation for United’s ambitious rebuild. In his private address, Berrada emphasized the importance of long-term planning, stating that the club’s aim is to have both the men’s and women’s teams competing for major titles by 2028.
This timeframe is no accident; 2028 coincides with Manchester United’s 150th anniversary. To celebrate this historic milestone, the club has made it clear that winning their 21st Premier League title is the ultimate goal.
The Structure Behind ‘Project 150’
Berrada’s strategic vision is not simply about setting lofty targets but involves concrete steps to transform Manchester United into a powerhouse once again.
One of the primary focuses of ‘Project 150’ is squad development. Berrada and his team are determined to build a squad capable of challenging not only for Premier League titles but also for European success. This involves a blend of bringing in world-class talent while also developing young players from the club’s renowned academy. The idea is to create a squad with depth and quality, similar to Manchester City’s recent dominance, and rival Liverpool and Arsenal’s resurgence.
Another key aspect of the project is infrastructure investment. While Manchester United has traditionally relied on its global fanbase and commercial success, Berrada believes that the club must modernize its facilities to stay competitive with top European clubs. This includes updating Old Trafford, enhancing training facilities, and improving the academy’s resources to ensure it continues to produce top-tier talent.
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Building a Winning Mentality: Erik ten Hag’s Role
Berrada has placed his full support behind current manager Erik ten Hag, despite the club’s inconsistent start to the 2024/25 season. Ten Hag, who arrived at Old Trafford in 2022, was initially viewed as the man to restore United’s identity and winning culture. While his tenure has seen some highs, including winning the FA Cup, his ability to lead United to Premier League glory is yet to be proven.
Nevertheless, Berrada remains confident that Ten Hag is the right man for the job. “We’re fully backing Erik,” Berrada stated. “We’ve worked closely with him to identify the areas we need to strengthen, and we are confident that under his leadership, we can achieve our long-term goals.”
Ten Hag: “We are still work in progress”.
“We signed very young players like last year with Hojlund, now Zirkzee and Leny Yoro. We believe in them”.
“But also I am impatient. I want to go straight forward. But we had success and we have to work hard to bring more success”. pic.twitter.com/ubbGggddiL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 26, 2024
Ten Hag has already laid the groundwork for a stronger Manchester United, with several key signings and a tactical approach that has, at times, delivered promising results. However, consistency remains the key issue. Berrada and the rest of the club’s hierarchy believe that, with time and further investment, Ten Hag can establish the winning mentality that has been missing from the team in recent years.
Competition at the Top: Rivals Posing a Challenge
While Manchester United’s ambition is clear, the road to Premier League glory will not be easy. Clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea are also pushing for domestic dominance, and each has enjoyed periods of success while United have floundered.
Under Pep Guardiola, Manchester City has set a new standard for excellence in English football, winning multiple Premier League titles and a historic treble in 2023. Liverpool, under Jurgen Klopp, has been a consistent threat, while Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal has re-established itself as a genuine title contender.
For Manchester United to close the gap on these rivals, Berrada and Ten Hag must work hand-in-hand to create a team capable of competing week in, week out. Smart signings, better squad management, and developing a winning culture are all essential elements of ‘Project 150.’
A Bright Future: The 2028 Target
Looking ahead, Manchester United fans have reason for optimism. While the club may currently sit outside the Premier League title race, Berrada’s long-term vision offers a roadmap to success. ‘Project 150’ isn’t just about short-term fixes; it’s about laying the foundation for sustained success over the next decade.
As Manchester United moves towards its 150th anniversary, the club’s leadership is determined to mark this milestone with a return to the top of English football. With an ambitious CEO, a talented manager, and the financial muscle to invest in the future, Manchester United is poised for a revival.
In the coming years, fans can expect more exciting signings, improvements to the club’s infrastructure, and a renewed sense of purpose at Old Trafford. If all goes to plan, the Red Devils will be celebrating a Premier League title in 2028, bringing an end to their longest-ever title drought and restoring the club’s place among football’s elite.
