Man Utd confirm £50m investment as Sir Jim Ratcliffe outlines aims for ‘world- class environment’

Manchester United will begin work on Monday on a £50m renovation of the club’s Carrington training ground.

The club’s base has seen few upgrades in recent years, with Cristiano Ronaldo critical of the facilities in 2022 during his revelatory interview with Piers Morgan. But Sir Jim Ratcliffe outlined investment in the training ground was needed when he completed his minority investment in the club in February and plans have been revealed for a new ‘world-class environment’.

The upgrades will focus on the first-team building, with the aim to create ‘a high-performance collaborative environment for players and staff’. The project, which will be carried out by architectural practice Foster + Partners, who are led by Manchester-born Lord Norman Foster. The firm were responsible for the reshaping of Wembley and designed the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

Work will focus firstly on the gym, medical, nutrition, and recovery areas, with the aim to create a more collaborative space for players and coaches. This is likely to take place throughout the 2024/25 season and temporary adaptations will be made to the site as a result.

Ratcliffe has spoken several times about creating a ‘best in-class’ ethos at United and referenced how the club have fallen behind their rivals on and off the pitch. The 71-year-old invested $300m designated for infrastructure redevelopment when bought a stake in the club, and this is the first sign of those funds being utilised.

“We want to create a world-class environment for our teams to win,” the Ineos founder said when the news was announced. “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.”