New Manchester United Chief Executive Urges Fans to be Patient as Club Seeks to Regain Top Spot

Manchester United’s new chief executive, Omar Berrada, has cautioned fans that the club’s journey back to the top will not be a quick fix. Berrada, who joined United from rivals Manchester City in July, will attend his first game at Old Trafford on Friday night as the Red Devils take on Fulham in their Premier League opener.

This summer has seen significant changes at United, with Berrada among the new faces in the leadership team following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as minority owner. The club has also spent over £150 million on new signings, as Ratcliffe’s INEOS group aims to drastically improve a side that finished eighth last season, 31 points behind champions Manchester City.

Berrada, who oversaw a period of great success at City, has acknowledged that closing the gap to his former employers and ending United’s long Premier League title drought is still a long way off. He warned fans in the club’s newly-published fan engagement plan that “returning to the top will take time and will need some patience.”

Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada (centre) has warned getting the club back to the top will be no quick fix

Berrada’s warning comes as United looks to bounce back from a disappointing eighth-place finish last season. The club has undergone a significant overhaul, with Dan Ashworth joining as sporting director, Jason Wilcox as technical director, and Christopher Vivell appointed as interim director of recruitment.

“We are building a strong and talented football structure to work with Erik [ten Hag] and ensure that we are focused on long-term success,” Berrada said in his programme notes for the clash with Fulham. “We are also looking to build a world-leading non-football leadership team, which I know will help us to thrive.”

Berrada emphasized that the club’s number one priority is to perform on the pitch, and that everything they do must help them achieve that goal. He urged fans to be patient and trust the process, as United seeks to regain its place at the top of English football.

Erik ten Hag’s men open the Premier League campaign against Fulham on Friday night

As well as Berrada, Dan Ashworth has joined as sporting director in United’s overhaul

Berrada is set to attend his first game at Old Trafford since joining United from rivals Manchester City in July