The Premier League (PL) giants, Manchester United Football Club (MUFC) have embarked on a significant project to modernize their Carrington training complex, a move signalling the club’s renewed commitment to excellence.
The £50 million investment will see a complete refurbishment of the men’s first-team building, creating a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster a winning culture.
The project prioritizes a “high-performance collaborative environment.” The renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners, led by Manchester-born Lord Norman Foster, will spearhead the renovation. Foster + Partners boasts an impressive track record in designing world-class sporting facilities, including Wembley Stadium‘s redesign and the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
Work begins next week and is expected to span the 2024/25 season. The initial focus will be transforming the gym, medical, nutrition, and recovery areas to promote collaboration and innovation among players and staff.
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.”
Lord Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman of Foster + Partners, said, “We are delighted to lead the renewal of Manchester United’s training facility in Carrington.
“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.”
While renovations are underway, temporary adjustments will be made across the Carrington site to ensure seamless operation for all teams next season. This £50 million investment builds upon the £10 million facility opened last summer for the women’s and academy teams. Within two years, the Red Devils will have invested over £60 million in creating a fully integrated training complex for its entire football department.
The revamped training areas will offer players access to cutting-edge equipment in the gym, allowing for personalized training programs and injury prevention. The medical area will see the introduction of advanced diagnostic tools and recovery techniques to optimize player health. The nutrition area will be redesigned to provide personalized meal plans based on individual needs and performance data. Recovery areas will be enhanced with hydrotherapy facilities and sleep pods to promote faster recovery and improved performance.
Foster + Partners is a renowned British architectural firm founded in 1967 by Lord Norman Foster. Known for its sustainability and modern design, the entity has created iconic structures worldwide. From the Gherkin in London to the Hearst Tower in New York City, its portfolio includes offices, airports, bridges, and public spaces.