Manchester United have confirmed that they are looking to modernise both Old Trafford and their training ground, Carrington. The announcement acts as an update to fans that detailed plans are on their way and that they will have a role in the process.
Manchester United Confirm Plans to Modernise Old Trafford and Carrington
ℹ️ United fans have been given an update on plans to modernise Old Trafford…#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 23, 2021
Modernisation Update
The club said: “Initial meetings have taken place between the club and a number of architectural and engineering companies to present their credentials as potential partners for the project.”
Collette Roche, Manchester United’s Chief Operating Officer, told the club’s fan forum “these meetings have produced exciting potential ideas” but insisted they are still in the early stages.
They are yet to appoint master planners, decide on the scope and budget and whether to increase Old Trafford’s capacity. This will be “based on analysis and on consultation” which has “no preconceived ideas or limits”, according to Roche.
The Fans’ Advisory Board will be consulted and the fans forum will be briefed throughout the process.
Carrington, on the other hand, is at a much more advanced stage. Roche said master planners have been appointed with the target of integrating the men’s women’s and academy’s facilities together.
One proposal reportedly includes a small second stadium where women academy matches can be played. Currently the women’s team and the Under-23’s play most of their matches at Leigh Sports Village and the Under-18s play at Carrington.
A Step in the Right Direction
This news will be welcomed by football fans after the Glazer’s came under scrutiny for showing a disregard for the legendary stadium.
When Manchester United fans protested against the ownership in May 2021, supporters, as well as Gary Neville, pointed to the lack of investment in the stadium as a source of anger.
“You look at the club now, this stadium I know it looks great here but if you go behind the scenes it’s rusty and rotting,” Neville said.
“The training ground is probably not even top five in this country, they haven’t got to a Champions League semi-final in 10 years and we haven’t won a league here for eight years. The land around the ground is undeveloped, dormant and derelict, while every other club seems to be developing the facilities and the fan experiences.”
Swiss Ramble, the football financial blog, analysed that United had spent £118m in eleven years at that time. This contrasted to Liverpool spending £278 million, Manchester City spending £374 million and Tottenham spending £1.4 billion.
The Glazer’s and other club figures promised greater investment and coordination was on the way as a result. This update seems to be a step in the right direction.
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