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A look inside Man Utd’s new training ground
“On the ground floor there were no windows. It felt like you were in a hospital in the basement. It was a slightly gloomy place, a gloomy rabbit warren.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s initial impressions of Carrington offered a stark assessment of the task ahead following his investment in Manchester United.
Two years later, Ratcliffe shared these reflections at the reopening of the club’s revamped training facility, an upgrade made possible through a £50m investment. The renovation was completed within 12 months, adhering to both the schedule and budgetary constraints.
“Manchester United stands as one of the most recognized brands globally, and the club must compete at the highest echelon,” he stated. “A world-class training facility alone won’t guarantee that position, but a modern facility is a crucial ingredient. Now, we possess one.”
On Friday, the media were granted exclusive access to the renovated grounds. Some of the highlights might come as a surprise.
In one corner of the players’ canteen, now expansive, bright, and open-plan like much of the facility, stands a familiar red, white, and blue barber’s pole.
Manchester United’s squad was consulted about their desired amenities for the training ground. The overwhelming number of suggestions eventually prompted Ratcliffe to request a halt to the submissions.
Despite the plethora of requests, a barber’s area was incorporated. The club does not provide the barber; players are responsible for arranging their services as needed. Judging by the trimmings of brown hair, the space had been recently utilized before the media tour.
“Without naming names, he’s over there,” goalkeeper Tom Heaton quipped, gesturing towards defender Diogo Dalot.
“He was the odds-on favorite to have the first haircut.”
While a barber within a training ground may seem unconventional, elite athletes often require haircuts close to game days. Having this service on-site offers convenience and potentially reduces stress.
Adjacent to the barber’s room is a slightly larger area housing a Formula 1 simulator. Player logs indicated that Mason Mount and Ayden Heaven were among the first to utilize this amenity.
Sir Alex Ferguson formally commenced the official opening by unveiling a plaque in the entrance area, dedicated to the late Kath Phipps, a beloved former receptionist who served at Carrington since its opening in 2000 until shortly before her passing in December 2024.
The legendary manager expressed his approval of the open-plan design of the players’ area, citing its ability to foster interaction.
Indeed, a key component of the renovation is the creation of expansive, open areas filled with natural light to cultivate an uplifting environment.
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Sir Alex Ferguson unveiled a plaque paying tribute to late club receptionist Kath Phipps
Head coach Ruben Amorim possesses his own office, while chief executive Omar Berrada does not, though an office can be readily provided should the need arise.
The boardroom features windows, but also heavy curtains for privacy when sensitive matters are under discussion. Coaches, analysts, recruitment staff, scouts, and club leadership operate within the same area to facilitate seamless information exchange.
The ‘cinema’ room, where players view slides and replays for pre-match preparation and post-match analysis, features Italian leather seats, ensuring comfort even when the content may be challenging.
On the ground floor, which now resembles an elite sporting environment rather than a facility resembling nearby Wythenshawe Hospital, staff are stationed in the ‘Hub’ overlooking the first-team gym. They can analyze real-time data and display it on large screens next to a row of bikes, providing players with insights into their physical condition and performance.
Adding a ‘Big Brother’ element are the ‘smart urinals,’ offering instant hydration analysis.
In the first-team dressing room, which still includes allocated spaces for Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Tyrrell Malacia, and Jadon Sancho, each player has a touchscreen for receiving personalized messages from coaches or the sports science team, outlining the day’s routines.
Adjacent is a treatment room with nine beds and windows overlooking the first-team training pitches. While some might argue that watching colleagues train while injured could be discouraging, those in the know believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
The facility boasts MRI, CT, and whole-body scanners, allowing for comprehensive medical assessments to be conducted on-site. However, there was no sign of prospective new signing Benjamin Sesko on Friday.
There are four pools: one for swimming, a cold plunge, a hot plunge, and another with an underwater treadmill with adjustable depth. The sauna and steam room have also been significantly expanded.
Between the gym and the pool area is a ‘high-altitude room’ equipped with bikes and rowing machines where oxygen levels can be regulated.
Upon entering the players’ entrance, the first team turns right, while young players transitioning to the senior squad turn left towards their own dressing room, eliminating the need to travel from the academy building on the opposite side of the complex for training.
Not all elements are yet complete.
The area previously housing temporary structures used by the women’s team, who have since returned to their designated building, will be transformed into a padel court. Four sleeping pods are slated for installation, along with areas for red light therapy and dry flotation tanks.
Manchester United aims to encourage players to spend more time at the training ground, moving beyond the days of brief 10 AM to 12 PM visits.
In his critical assessment of his former club in 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo asserted that United was “stuck in time” and “nothing had changed.” That is demonstrably no longer the case.
When asked if the renovated facility could be considered Ronaldo’s legacy, given the close friendship between the legendary player and his international teammate Dalot, the latter responded:
“I’m certain he would appreciate it if he could see it.”
“Overall, the message was clear: this club deserved more. Full credit to Sir Jim and his team for their fantastic job.”
Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton plays pool in front of the barbers room in the first-team communal area at the club’s revamped training ground
Trophies line the stairs inside the new-look Carrington
Players can receive individual messages to touchscreens inside the dressing room
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