Manchester United commits £50m for training facility upgrade

Starting on Monday, the football club’s Carrington training ground will be subject to a large-scale refurbishment, geared towards upgrading existing gym, medical, and recovery areas as well as crafting more space suitable for collaboration.

Foster + Partners is the designer for the £50m Manchester United project. Its mission is to transform the old Carrington Training Complex into a “world-class football facility”, according to a press release. The architecture firm is no stranger to sports facilities, having designed the Lusail Stadium in Qatar as well as the revamped Wembley Stadium.

“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,” said Lord Norman Foster, founder of Foster + Partners.

Foster continued: “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 refurbishment will create more spaces suitable for collaboration at the training facility. Credit: via Manchester United

Work on the refurbishment is expected to take place throughout the club’s 2024/2025 season.

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,” he continued.

“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.”