Manchester United have long been criticised for their dwindling infrastructure, however, that is about to change with upgrades revealed.
- Man Utd to upgrade Carrington training ground
- Renovations will go through 2024-25 season
- Man Utd will pump £50 million into upgrades
WHAT HAPPENED?
Manchester United have officially announced that their famous Carrington training ground will undergo renovations with the club set to invest £50 million ($63.5m) in improving their facilities following the takeover by INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The renovation work will reportedly begin on Monday, June 17 and continue throughout the 2024–2025 season. As per the announcement, ‘the initial focus will be on the gym, medical, nutrition, and recovery areas’, as they will look to be in operating condition before the start of the season.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The renovation will be undertaken by Foster + Partners, led by Manchester-born Lord Norman Foster. Foster + Partners were also responsible for the reshaping of Wembley Stadium and the designing of the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, which was the centrepiece of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
WHAT SIR JIM RATCLIFFE SAID
In the official release, Ratcliffe said: “We want to create a world-class environment for our teams to win. When we conducted a thorough review of the Carrington training facilities and met with our men’s first-team players, it was clear the standards had fallen below some of our peers. This project will ensure Manchester United’s training ground is once more renovated to the highest standards.
“Lord Foster, a fellow Mancunian, has brought some great inspiration to the design, in conjunction with the Manchester United team and we look forward to seeing the improvement to the facilities but most importantly on the pitch.”
WHAT LORD FOSTER SAID
The Founder and Executive Chairman of Foster + Partners, said: “We are delighted to lead the renewal of Manchester United’s training facility in Carrington. Our aim is to modernise and revitalise the building as a catalyst for future footballing success, creating spaces that inspire a culture of collaboration, unity and belonging.
“As a proud Mancunian, it is a particular honour for me to see Foster + Partners given this responsibility and we will ensure that our design captures the spirit of industry, grit and ambition that exemplifies both Manchester and Manchester United.”
WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?
The renovations are reportedly set to continue throughout the 2024-25 season and temporary setups will be created to ensure players and staff from the teams can continue to operate successfully next season.
