Manchester United has officially unveiled its revamped £50 million first-team building at the Carrington training complex, signaling a significant step towards reclaiming their position at the top of English football. The state-of-the-art facility, a year-long project led by Foster + Partners under the direction of architect Lord Norman Foster, is designed to create a "world-class performance environment" that fosters collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
The redevelopment, financed by part of the $300 million capital injection from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, was completed on time and within budget. The complex boasts upgraded equipment and technology, with a focus on fitness, nutrition, recovery, and team unity. Players and staff provided input for the design, which prioritizes functionality, openness, and connectivity, featuring increased natural light and open workspaces.
The building's structure has been largely retained, but modifications have been made to incorporate large windows and rooflights, maximizing natural light. Timber paneling adds warmth, while new integrated MEP systems improve energy efficiency. The facility includes a separate players' entrance with a glass facade, a hydration and nutrition space, a gym with an altitude room, hydrotherapy pools, new changing areas, medical suites with MRI and CT scanners, and recovery spaces. A spiral staircase leads to the main lounge on the first floor, which features a continuous glass facade and an outdoor terrace overlooking the pitches. Open-plan offices for coaching staff are located on the north and south sides of the building, with a separate media area on the upper level.
The completion of the Carrington revamp marks the most significant renovation at the training ground since its opening in 2000. The club's executive leadership team, along with other staff previously stationed at Old Trafford, have relocated to the building, shifting the club's center of gravity towards Carrington. This move underscores the club's commitment to placing football at the core of its operations.
The redevelopment of the men's team building follows the construction of a new £10 million building for the women's first team and men's academy in 2024. This brings the total investment in Carrington to over £60 million in the past three years, unifying all the club's teams in a single, modernized campus.
Manchester United Chief Executive Officer Omar Berrada believes the project represents a clear step towards unifying the club around a shared footballing vision. By bringing staff and players closer together, the club aims to create a culture of collaboration and high-performance. Sir Jim Ratcliffe expressed his delight with the outcome, confident that the new facility will play a vital role in building a winning culture at the club.
The upgraded facilities are expected to provide a significant boost to team morale and performance. With a focus on creating a world-class environment, Manchester United aims to attract and retain top talent, enhance player development, and ultimately, return to the pinnacle of English and European football. The club has spent more than £60m upgrading Carrington in the past three years, constructing a new £10m building for the women's first team and men's academy in 2024.
Just three years prior, Cristiano Ronaldo had voiced concerns about the facilities at Carrington, stating that they had "stopped in time". This makes the completion of this project even more critical, and shows a response to previous criticisms. The state-of-the-art training hub opened just as manager Ruben Amorim and his squad returned following their pre-season tour of the United States. After a successful tour of the United States in which they won the Premier League's Summer Series and spending £205m on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and imminent new signing Benjamin Sesko, Ruben Amorim and his players now have no excuse for not making a strong start to the season.
