Manchester United Unveils State-Of-The-Art Training Centre Upgrade

‎Manchester United’s revamped training complex includes smart urinals that monitor players’ hydration, dry flotation tanks, an underwater treadmill, a padel court, a Formula 1 simulator, and even a barber shop.

‎United opened the doors on Friday to their £50 million ($67.22 million) redevelopment of the men’s first-team building at the Carrington Training Complex. This came just a week before the Premier League season begins.

‎The redesign drew ideas from the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and England’s St. George’s Park base, among others, and was completed with input from players and staff.

‎The state-of-the-art training hub welcomed manager Ruben Amorim and his squad back after their pre-season tour of the United States.

‎”All credit to Sir Jim (Ratcliffe, United’s co-owner) and his team, I think they did an unbelievable job,” said United defender Diogo Dalot.

‎”I think finally we’re getting to a level where this club deserves and now it’s up to us on the pitch.”

‎Ratcliffe cut the ribbon to open the centre on Friday alongside the players, Amorim, chief executive officer Omar Berrada, the team’s former manager Alex Ferguson, and others.

‎The year-long project was led by Mancunian architect Norman Foster and his firm Foster + Partners and financed with part of the 300 million pound ($403.47 million) capital injection into the club by United co-owner Ratcliffe last year.

‎”Following a review of the facility, we made a quick decision to invest significantly in the creation of a world-class performance environment for staff and players to reflect our ambition and vision for Manchester United,” said Ratcliffe, who reached an agreement to become co-owner in late 2023.

‎Collette Roche, who led the Carrington redevelopment project, said Ratcliffe was heavily involved in the process, helping decide everything from the number of windows to the fabric of the furniture.

‎”We took good reference points from the U.S. and also in the UK, and I’m quite proud, because I think this step has put us ahead of the game as well,” Roche told reporters, following a media tour of the facility.

‎”It’s not just a training ground. It’s going to be the heart of the club, and we’re bringing a lot of the staff over from Old Trafford. So there’s a real nucleus now around football.”

‎High Standard Facilities in the Training Ground

‎The facility is bathed in natural light to create a positive environment, with everything the players and staff need under one roof.

‎The medical and recovery facilities include MRI and CT scans, a DEXA scan for body fat and bone density, sleep pods, and a heat-and-altitude chamber to acclimate to varying temperatures, humidity, and oxygen levels, along with hyperbaric and cryotherapy chambers.

‎The players’ dining lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows, a pool table, and an F1 simulator. Friday’s menu ranged from grilled salmon and sushi to smoothie bowls.

‎”We’ve got a core of Bruno (Fernandes), Harry (Maguire), Tom (Heaton), Diogo, and I just asked what they wanted. And they gave me some great ideas,” said Roche.

‎”(We asked) when is it performance? When do you need to chill? What’s the best nutrition? How do they want to eat?”

‎Redevelopment of the men’s team building comes after the 2024 completion of a £10 million ($13.44 million) facility for the women’s first team and the men’s academy.

‎United will host Arsenal in their Premier League season opener on August 17.