Omar Berrada is open about Man Utd's problems as they struggle to mail second major signing

Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada has been clear and candid about his vision for the club’s future as they struggle to sign Bryan Mbeumo.

Since joining from Manchester City, Berrada has emphasized a return to footballing fundamentals and a sustainable, long-term strategy to restore United to the summit of English and European football.

Berrada outlined that United entered the summer window with a “clear and ambitious plan,” shaped by months of internal discussions involving technical director Jason Wilcox and manager Ruben Amorim.

The club has mapped out targeted areas for investment, prioritizing attacking reinforcements—evidenced by the signing of Matheus Cunha, who Berrada described as a potentially “Cantona-esque” addition, bringing qualities the squad lacked last season.

Roy Keane has publicly agreed with Berrada’s assessment, calling Cunha a “really exciting player” who can make things happen and handle the pressure at Old Trafford.

However, Berrada has also stressed the importance of prudence and value in the market.

Responding to frustration among fans about the pace of incomings, he explained that efficiency is not just about speed, but about getting the right deals for the club—both in signings and sales.

This is reflected in United’s firm stance on outgoing players like Jadon Sancho, with the club rejecting lowball offers and holding out for fees that reflect their valuation.

Looking beyond this window, Berrada has spoken of a “very clear roadmap” for the club, aiming for a squad capable of winning the Premier League within two to three years.

He views the challenges of the past season—Amorim’s mid-season arrival and the team’s struggles—as necessary short-term pain that will pay off in the long run, giving the new management and technical teams time to assess and plan thoroughly.

Berrada’s arrival marks a shift from previous regimes, bringing football expertise and a commitment to putting performance back at the heart of United’s identity.

He is optimistic about the future, but realistic about the need to make the right decisions and build something sustainable for the long term.

"He [Matheus Cunha] was an important one to get done," Berrada told United We Stand last month. "We're going to do our best to do more signings quickly.

"Sometimes when you're not quick, it's because you're negotiating and you're trying to make sure you get the right value for money. So being efficient or quick isn't necessarily the best thing for the club."