Omar Berrada, Manchester United’s chief executive responsible for the club’s daily operations, was denied access to a hospitality area at Old Trafford during the Soccer Aid charity event in June 2025. Berrada had hoped to meet Hollywood actress Julia Roberts, who was attending the fixture, but was turned away from the suite where the 58-year-old star was hosted. This incident is particularly notable due to Berrada’s senior position at the venue combined with his admiration for Roberts and involvement with the club.
Berrada Attends Soccer Aid as a Private Guest, Denial Linked to Event Independence
The reason for Berrada’s refusal stems from Soccer Aid’s operational independence from Manchester United. Although he runs the club’s day-to-day affairs, Berrada was attending the match purely as a private individual rather than in any official capacity. This distinction prevented him from entering the area where Roberts was present, even though he brought his family along in hopes of making an introduction to the Oscar-winning actress. The technicality of the event’s independence ultimately dictated his restricted access at the stadium.
Julia Roberts’ Previous Visits Highlight Close Ties to Manchester United
Julia Roberts has a history with Old Trafford, having previously visited in November 2016 to watch Manchester United draw 1-1 against West Ham United. On that occasion, she met several Manchester United players and their families, establishing a personal connection to the club. Roberts has openly described herself as a “true fan” of Manchester United, reinforcing the significance of her visits to the iconic football ground.
Historical Rivalry: Guardiola’s Disappointment Over Roberts’ Choice of Venue
Berrada is not the first football figure to face disappointment related to interactions with Julia Roberts. Back in 2016, Pep Guardiola, then manager of Manchester City, expressed his dismay after Roberts visited Old Trafford instead of the Etihad Stadium during her UK trip.
Guardiola recounted his feelings at a press conference, vividly describing the situation:
“And she went to visit Man United. She didn’t come to see us.”
“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.”
Even if I win the Champions League it will not compare to this disappointment I had.
Guardiola’s theatrical reaction highlighted the rivalry between the clubs and the personal impact of Roberts’ preference for Manchester United’s venue, demonstrating the symbolic importance of such visits among football elites.
Julia Roberts’ 2023 Meeting with Erik ten Hag and Support for United
In 2023, Julia Roberts met with Manchester United’s then-manager Erik ten Hag, reinforcing her enthusiasm for the club. During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Roberts spoke fervently about her passion for the Red Devils and her experience at Old Trafford.
“I’ve been to Old Trafford, I’m a true fan,”
she declared, emphasizing her genuine support for the team throughout the years.
Roberts’ Family Connection to Football Inspires Her Affection for Manchester United
Roberts has shared insights into how her family’s involvement with football deepened her bond with Manchester United. She mentioned how her three children played soccer from a young age and how the family grew increasingly attached to the sport as viewers.
“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.”
This personal story reveals how Roberts transformed from a casual observer to an ardent admirer of the club, mirroring the passion shared by many Manchester United supporters around the world.
Current Manchester United Form Offers Optimism to Fans Including Julia Roberts
Fans like Julia Roberts are likely encouraged by Manchester United’s recent resurgence following the appointment of Michael Carrick as interim manager last month. Under Carrick’s leadership, the team has won five of their last six matches, showcasing a significant improvement in form. The club is preparing to face Crystal Palace next, with the fixture scheduled for Sunday at 2 pm, raising hopes for continued success this season.
Significance of the Incident and What Lies Ahead for Manchester United
The denial of Omar Berrada’s request to meet Julia Roberts at Old Trafford underscores the complexities that can arise even within elite sports venues and events, especially when external functions operate independently of club authority. While Berrada’s longing to connect with a prominent fan and Hollywood icon was unmet, the episode highlights the intersections of sport, celebrity, and governance frameworks within football culture.
For Manchester United, maintaining connections with high-profile supporters like Roberts remains symbolically important as the club seeks to rebuild on- and off-pitch momentum. With recent victories under Carrick igniting optimism, the team’s performance may continue to draw attention from fans, celebrities, and executives alike, reinforcing Old Trafford’s status as a global sporting hub.
