Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s huge plans for Man Utd training ground revealed as INEOS chief to plunge ‘millions’ into project
SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has greenlit a major redevelopment of United’s Carrington training ground as part of Ineos’ overhaul of the club.
At the centre of the multi-million pound changes will be a ‘pre-activation and player performance’ zone.
The Mail report that the new development is the brainchild of Sir Dave Brailsford, who has emphasised his “marginal gains” philosophy in the past.
United have struggled greatly with injury this season and it is hoped that the new zone will reduce risk of injury by providing a space for players to warm up intensely.
Pre-activation exercises often utilise resistance in the form of weight or resistance bands, with the aim to stimulate blood flow to player’s muscles.
Part of the marginal gains philosophy will also see Carrington re-designed to allow more sunlight in – with walls being replaced with vast glass panels.
The club’s offices will also become open plan after Ratcliffe criticised both the tidiness and cleanliness of office staff in a scathing email.
As part of the cleanliness overhaul, even the club’s laundry department is to be moved outside away from the main area.
That’s to ensure that the focus in the first-team area of the training ground is purely on football.
A figure has not been put on the cost of the renovations yet, although it is thought to be in the millions according to The Mail.
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Part of the existing players’ car park will be reconfigured to make space for the new warm up zone.
Landscaping will also take place around the ground to protect from any Bielsa-style spygate snooping.
A ‘winter garden’ will also be created to provide staff with a serene area to relax.
The club will also expand their offices by an extra 247 metres.
The medical centre will also have a layby added to it to allow ambulance access in cases of emergency.
In previous years, work on Carrington has focused on improving areas for the academy and women’s team, but Ineos are now focusing investment on first-team areas.
After completing their purchase of 25 per cent of the club, Ineos agreed to inject £245m of investment to improve infrastructure around Carrington.
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