- Man United missed out on a £100m windfall when they lost Europa League final
- But Omar Berrada promises club still have a plan to come back strongly next term
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Is Ruben Amorim too honest?
Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada insists the club have a clear plan to rebuild under Ruben Amorim this summer despite their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
United’s defeat in the Europa League final by Tottenham in Bilbao last week closed the back-door to Europe and cost the club a £100million Champions League windfall.
But Berrada insists United were ready for any outcome and will now press ahead with investing in the squad which is expected to start with a £62.5m deal for Wolves star Matheus Cunha.
‘Obviously people are still hurting from the loss (to Spurs) last week,’ said Berrada on United’s post-season tour to the Far East where they lost 1-0 to ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
‘We all wanted to end the season with a trophy, but the players and coaches and staff are doing well and I think they are very focussed starting to think about next season.
‘I can’t talk about specifics but we have been planning for many months now. We were ready for all the different scenarios. Now we know what we need to do. We have a very clear idea of where we need to invest in the squad to improve.
Man United are close to wrapping up a £62.5m deal for Wolves midfielder Matheus Cunha
Omar Berrada thanked fans for their patience and promised that the ‘good days will come back’
The CEO is with Ruben Amorim (right) and the club on their post-season tour of the Far East
‘Jason (Wilcox), his team, Ruben, have been in talks for many months. Now it’s a question of executing that plan and doing it in a way that is prudent but with ambition.’
Berrada reflected on a ‘difficult’ first season at the helm and echoed Amorim’s thoughts that the good times are coming back to Old Trafford.
‘It’s a privilege to work with this club,’ he added. ‘It’s been a difficult season. We’ve undergone a transformation on and off the pitch, and we had to take some really tough decisions to really put the club in the best place possible for the future.
‘Our fans have been incredibly supportive and patient during this process, and I can only say thank you. Now really our job is to focus on the future, learn from what’s happened this season, improve and make sure we continue aiming to come back to the top again.
‘Ruben’s right, the past is the past. It’s important to learn. Now we need to stay together, stay united. The owner (Sir Jim Ratcliffe) has also been very supportive in this transition year. I’m very excited about what’s coming ahead of us. I’m sure the good days will be back.’
