Man Utd CEO asks fans for patience as team aims to improve

Manchester United's chief executive, Omar Berrada, has emphasized that restoring the club to its former glory will require time and patience from fans. As he prepares to attend his first match at Old Trafford since joining from Manchester City, Berrada acknowledged the significant changes the club has undergone this summer, including the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a minority owner. The team is set to kick off the Premier League season against Fulham, following a substantial investment of over £150 million in new signings. Berrada, who previously contributed to Manchester City's success, recognized the challenge of closing the gap with their rivals, particularly after United's disappointing eighth-place finish last season, which left them 31 points behind champions Manchester City. In a newly-released fan engagement plan, he stated, "Returning to the top will take time and will need some patience," assuring supporters that the club would prioritize open communication and their interests. The restructuring of United's football department is underway, with Berrada joined by Dan Ashworth as sporting director, Jason Wilcox as technical director, and Christopher Vivell as interim director of recruitment. This overhaul aims to address years of stagnation under the Glazer family. Berrada expressed confidence in building a strong football structure to support manager Erik ten Hag and emphasized the importance of creating a world-class non-football leadership team to enhance overall performance. As the club embarks on this transformative journey, Berrada reiterated that the primary focus remains on improving on-field performance, marking a pivotal moment in Manchester United's history.