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Omar Berrada, who oversees daily operations at Manchester United, faced an unexpected situation last year when he was refused entry to a hospitality area at Old Trafford, despite being effectively in charge of the stadium. His aim was to meet Julia Roberts, the acclaimed Hollywood actress, during the Soccer Aid charity match held at the venue in June 2025.
Although Berrada arrived with his family eager for an introduction to the 58-year-old star, he was turned away from the suite where Roberts was hosted during the annual contest between England and the Rest of the World.
Why Berrada Could Not Meet Julia Roberts Despite His Position
The key reason behind this surprising encounter was the independent organization of Soccer Aid, which operates separately from Manchester United itself. Because of this distinction, Berrada attended the event purely as a private individual rather than representing his official capacity at the club. This proved critical in determining access, ultimately denying him entry to the area where Julia Roberts was present.
According to reports, Berrada shares a strong admiration for Roberts, which is common among his generation, and had hoped to secure a family moment alongside a famous figure he respects deeply.
Julia Roberts’ Previous Visits to Old Trafford and Football Connections
Julia Roberts has a history with Manchester United’s home stadium, having been there before in November 2016. During that visit, she watched a Premier League match where United drew 1-1 with West Ham and spent time meeting players and their families afterward. Photographs from that occasion show Roberts alongside notable figures such as Coleen Rooney, underscoring her genuine connection to the club.
Her Old Trafford visits are not just social appearances; Roberts openly identified herself as an enthusiastic supporter of the team. Speaking in 2023 on The Graham Norton Show, she emphasized her passion for Manchester United and recounted how her family came to embrace the club deeply.
“I’ve been to Old Trafford, I’m a true fan,”
Julia Roberts, Actress
She further explained the evolution of their fandom, saying,
“I have three children and when they were really little and started playing soccer and started watching it on TV. And I didn’t ever realise how exciting it was to watch it on television. We just got so into it and somehow Manchester United just became our team, the Moder family team. And we became sort of possessed.”
Julia Roberts, Actress
Reactions from Other Football Figures to Roberts’ Manchester United Allegiance
Berrada is not the only football executive to experience frustrations related to Roberts’ football preferences. Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, famously expressed disappointment when Roberts chose to visit Old Trafford rather than the Etihad Stadium during her 2016 trip.
At a press conference reflecting on the event, Guardiola conveyed his dissatisfaction in a candid manner:
“That’s why even if I win the Champions League it will not compare for the fact that Julia came to Manchester and didn’t come to see us.”
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City Manager
Even if I win the Champions League it will not compare to this disappointment I had.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City Manager
Recent Manchester United Performance and Upcoming Matches
Julia Roberts, like many Manchester United supporters, will likely find encouragement in the club’s recent form. After the appointment of Michael Carrick as interim manager last month, the team has improved significantly, winning five of their last six matches. This momentum sets a positive tone ahead of their forthcoming game against Crystal Palace scheduled for Sunday at 2pm.
Significance of the Incident and What Lies Ahead
The incident involving Omar Berrada’s exclusion from the hospitality suite during Soccer Aid highlights the complexities that arise when stadium operations intersect with independently organized events. Even high-ranking officials can face limitations when not attending in an official capacity, illustrating the distinct boundaries maintained by event organizers.
Meanwhile, Julia Roberts’ continued association and visible enthusiasm for Manchester United reinforce the club’s global appeal, crossing boundaries between sports and entertainment. As United seeks to regain its former dominance, public support from high-profile fans like Roberts bolsters the club’s image off the pitch as much as recent victories do on it.
With Michael Carrick at the helm temporarily and a string of successes, Manchester United appears determined to build momentum into the critical stages of the season, keeping fans and executives alike engaged despite occasional disappointments away from the field.