June 18 – Manchester United have announced a £50 million investment in their Carrington Training Complex as they look to transform it into a “world-class” facility.
Architects Foster + Partners, led by Manchester-born Lord Norman Foster, will lead the project, scheduled to start on the June 17. The practice was responsible for the reshaping of Wembley Stadium and the design of the Lusail Stadium in Qatar – the centrepiece of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The focus will be solely on Man Utd’s men’s team, with an eye to improving the gym, medical, nutrition and recovery areas.
The decision follows a review of the club’s training facilities, which revealed they had fallen behind the standards of some of their Premier League competitors. It also follows the opening of a state-of-the-art £10 million women’s and academy building last summer.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, 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.”
The work is expected to last for the duration of the 2024/25 season, and temporary adaptations have been made to the rest of the facility to ensure players and staff can continue to operate unaffected next season.
Lord Foster, founder and executive chairman of Foster + Partners, said: “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.”
The review of the club’s facilities also identified issues at Old Trafford, particularly the headline-hugging leaking roof exposed during a rainstorm in last month’s 1-0 Premier League defeat by Arsenal.
Ratcliffe’s Ineos is also exploring options to either redevelop the existing stadium or build a new one on adjacent land, but has not revealed any concrete plans to date.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1729228835labto1729228835ofdlr1729228835owedi1729228835sni@g1729228835niwe.1729228835yrrah1729228835