The Ineos end-of-season review may have frustrated supporters and media by not supplying immediate clarity. But, following a week of positive news from Old Trafford, the mood has significantly changed.
With David Ornstein confirming that Erik ten Hag would remain as manager on Tuesday, Manchester United has confirmed plans to begin state-of-the-art works on Carrington.
The news comes as a welcome sign of calculated planning from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his best-in-class backroom team following two decades of ignorance and mismanagement from the Glazer ownership.
Breaking down this significant announcement
Shortly after 11 AM BST this morning, the club confirmed plans for modern upgrades on its men’s first-team building at Carrington.
An investment of £50 Million has been supplied to facilitate the project, to cultivate a modern, state-of-the-art environment for players and staff.
With work set to commence next week, it is welcome news for everybody involved with the 20-time English champions and a further sign of intent from Ratcliffe and co.
Per the club’s official website, Foster + Partners – a Manchester-based architectural practice – have been tasked with the highly-publicised renovation.
The architects are amongst the best in their field and were responsible for the Lusail Stadium in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup and the redevelopment of the iconic Wembley Stadium.
The focus commences on the gym, nutrition, recovery and medical areas – with work to start on Monday, June 17.
A primary aim will be to create additional space for ‘collaboration and innovation among players and staff.’
“We want to create a world-class environment for our teams to win,” Sir Jim told the club’s official website.
“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.”
A necessity to embrace change
Today’s news has been long overdue, with an aged Carrington the focal point of much public slamming.
Recall that iconic moment in November 2022 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview with Piers Morgan.
The legendary footballer received criticism for much of his statements, but his views on the infrastructure for players were unavoidable.
“Nothing changed since I left,” the Portuguese legend said on Piers Morgan Uncensored.
“The pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym, even some technology.
“Even the chefs who I appreciate – lovely people. I thought I would see new technology, [and] infrastructure. I saw things I saw when I was 20!”
Furthermore, the comments of the highly respected Henry Winter on Episode Five of the Theatre of Red podcast added further ammunition towards the necessity for investment in facilities.
“Cristiano Ronaldo was right when he did his piece with Piers,” he told Shaun Connolly.
“Some of the things he shouldn’t have said, but – the criticism he made about the training ground was right.
“I’ve been at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground today – magnificent, Manchester City’s – NASA level, Arsenals – yeah, Arsenal’s is good.
“Leicester City have got a better training ground than Manchester United – that should not be the way of things.”
The long-suffering supporters of this iconic club have been offered a glimmer of hope with this week’s news.
As the transfer window has opened, a keen eye glares over the inevitable movements within Ten Hag’s squad over the coming months.
In terms of the rollercoaster ride of Manchester United Football Club, this is as close to a positive period as it has been in quite some time.
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