“Pie in the sky”: 1999 treble hero tears into United chief after his unrealistic and “dreamlike” comments

Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has slammed Omar Berrada’s lofty claims that the club is still aiming to win the Premier League by 2028.

United haven’t lifted the Premier League title since 2013, when the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down. In the years that have followed, the Red Devils have endured a prolonged spell of mediocrity and consistent underachievement.

In the just-concluded 2024/25 season, United finished a lowly 15th place in the table, having suffered 18 losses and amassing just 42 points.

It was undoubtedly the worst campaign in United’s modern history.

Yet, in a recent interview with journalist Andy Mitten, United CEO Omar Berrada maintained that the club’s darkest days are now behind and expressed confidence that a brighter future lies ahead.

Berrada also emphasised that United are still looking to achieve their ambitious ‘Project 150’ vision to mark the side’s 150th anniversary in 2028 by winning both the men’s and women’s league titles.

However, Sheringham, who won the treble with United in 1999, has cast serious doubt on whether such optimism is truly realistic.

Sheringham told Sky Bet [as quoted by Irish Times], “Omar Berrada’s comments are dreamlike. In football clubs, you’ve got to have small steps to get to places and if you see those small steps and are encouraged and moving in the right direction, that’s when you start looking positively (at the future).”

“But when people come out with quotes like that, it can be pie in the sky when you’ve got to give the manager time to get things right.”

The former striker insisted that Amorim needs a fast start next term to avoid coming under pressure.

“For Manchester United, the results must improve. It can’t go on like this. The way the talk is – ‘it’s alright, we’re gearing for next year, everything is OK for next season’ – but I think they’re a long way off being anything like the Manchester United of old and the pressure will be on Ruben Amorim, without a doubt.”

“If he starts the season like the end of last season, there is only one way things will go.”

Meanwhile, United are working to bring in players and get rid of others in an effort to shape the squad to Amorim’s preference.

One player Sheringham spoke about was Rasmus Hojlund, who continues to be linked with a return to Italy. The 59-year-old remains confident that Hojlund can still come good at United, but his teammates must create more chances for him to pounce on.

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