Watch: Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Omar Berrada’s reaction to Man Utd’s Champions League draw goes viral
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Omar Berrada barely needed to say anything after Manchester United’s Champions League opponents were revealed. Their expressions during Thursday’s draw in Monaco quickly became a talking point among supporters, with cameras capturing both men looking noticeably serious as United’s European schedule took shape.
Ratcliffe, United’s co-owner, was seen raising his eyebrows, while chief executive Berrada appeared equally focused. The brief reaction soon spread across social media, where supporters had plenty to say about what the two executives might have been thinking.
One fan posted: “They look stressed.”
Another joked: “When you realise your team is not prepared for the Champions League.”
United’s defensive options also became a subject of discussion, with one supporter writing: “Ratcliffe and Berrada looking worried about the Shaw/Amass rotation against the big boys.”
Another added: “Omar Berrada already thinking of Olise vs Luke Shaw.”
A fifth supporter simply wrote: “Omar Berrada looked really worried when he saw our draw.”
Of course, facial expressions alone cannot reveal what either man was actually thinking. Their reactions may simply have reflected the difficulty of the draw. What is certain is that United face a demanding return to Europe’s premier club competition.
🎥 – Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Omar Berrada reacting to Man Utd’s UCL draw. [@UtdKev08] pic.twitter.com/T6kQzZ7gCd
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) August 27, 2026
Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Roma among United’s opponents
United will open their Champions League campaign at Old Trafford against Bayern Munich, setting up another meeting with the German giants three years after their previous encounter, which Bayern won.
Michael Carrick’s side will also welcome Roma, RB Leipzig and Sabah to Old Trafford. Their away fixtures will take them to Atletico Madrid, Sporting CP, Villarreal and Como.
United’s complete league-phase schedule is:
- Bayern Munich — home
- Atletico Madrid — away
- Roma — home
- Sporting CP — away
- RB Leipzig — home
- Villarreal — away
- Sabah — home
- Como — away
The Champions League return represents a significant change in United’s fortunes. They secured third place in the Premier League last season, earning their way back into the competition after finishing a disappointing 15th in 2024-25.
Their last Champions League campaign came in 2023-24 under Erik ten Hag. United finished bottom of their group after recording just one victory, against Copenhagen. They drew one match and lost their other four, bringing their European campaign to an early and disappointing end.
The competition will look different this time because of its new format.
The 36 teams will compete in a single league phase. United must finish among the top eight to qualify directly for the last 16. Teams placed ninth through 24th will have to go through the knockout phase play-offs, while clubs finishing 25th or lower will be eliminated.
Our 2026/27 #UCL games are set 🍿 pic.twitter.com/KRUdN228KD
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 27, 2026
Berrada is excited about facing Bayern
While Berrada’s expression during the draw generated plenty of online amusement, his comments afterward were far more upbeat.
Speaking to reporters about United’s return to the Champions League, the chief executive said the club was excited to be back in the competition.
“We’re very excited.”
Berrada added that playing in the Champions League should be a regular expectation for United and welcomed the quality of the opposition awaiting them.
“This is a competition that we think we need to be playing in every season. We have some fantastic opponents.”
He also highlighted the significance of Old Trafford and its history of memorable European nights, expressing hope that the club can give supporters more moments to remember.
“Old Trafford has been the home of some great moments in this competition, so hopefully we’ll create new memories for our fans.”
Asked which fixture he was most looking forward to, Berrada did not hesitate.
“I think Bayern Munich at home.”
The choice is understandable given the history between the two clubs, particularly the iconic 1999 Champions League final.
“Obviously, the 1999 final was iconic in the history of the club. But we’re looking forward to playing against all these great opponents, at home and away. And as I said, hopefully we’ll create some really good memories for our fans.”
Berrada also made clear that United’s ambitions go beyond simply returning to the Champions League. The club wants to make a deep run in the competition and ultimately compete for the trophy.
🚨🎥🎙️| Omar Berrada reacts to Manchester United’s Champions League draw.
“I hope we will create new memories for our fans.”
— Kev 屮 (@UtdKev08) August 27, 2026
Sabah’s extraordinary journey to the Champions League
Among United’s eight opponents, Sabah is perhaps the least familiar name to many supporters.
The Azerbaijan Premier League champions will make their debut in the Champions League league phase. Their achievement is particularly notable because the club did not even exist nine years ago.
Their route into the competition was dramatic.
Sabah appeared to be on the verge of elimination during their play-off tie against Israeli side Hapoel. After losing the first leg 1-0, they fell 2-1 behind in the second leg with just 20 minutes remaining.
What followed was a remarkable turnaround.
Umarali Rakhmonaliev pulled a goal back late in the match before Tellur Mutallimov scored again to send the tie into extra time. Hapoel then had two players sent off, leaving them with only nine men and allowing Sabah to take control.
Sabah eventually completed the comeback with a 5-2 victory on the night, winning the tie 6-4 on aggregate and securing their place in the Champions League league phase.
They will now make the trip to Old Trafford, where they will face a Manchester United side returning to the competition after a two-season absence.
For Berrada, the draw offers the opportunity to face some of Europe’s biggest clubs and create new memories for United supporters. For the fans, meanwhile, the viral reaction from the club’s two senior figures has already provided an entertaining glimpse of just how challenging the road ahead could be.
