Man Utd's £50m plan gathers speed as Brailsford given new role

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s trusted lieutenant, Sir Dave Brailsford, has temporarily relocated from Monaco to Manchester as he takes a hands-on role in steering Manchester United through a critical period of transformation.

With on-field struggles under new manager Ruben Amorim, Brailsford—INEOS’ Head of Sport—has been an increasingly visible figure at Carrington, stepping in to provide leadership during a turbulent time for the club, according to Mail Online.

Brailsford’s increased presence at United comes as the club undergoes significant restructuring, including cost-cutting measures and job losses.

However, he has also been instrumental in overseeing the club’s £50 million training ground renovation—a project aimed at modernizing Carrington and bringing United’s facilities back in line with elite footballing standards.

Work on the redevelopment began last June, with construction teams making steady progress. The project has forced United’s first-team squad to relocate to the women’s team’s facilities, a decision that has drawn some criticism.

The work is expected to continue throughout the 2024/25 season, with upgrades focusing on key areas such as the gym, medical, nutrition, and recovery spaces.

According to the club, a major design emphasis has been placed on fostering greater collaboration and innovation among players and staff.

Ratcliffe has been vocal about the need for an overhaul, acknowledging that United’s facilities had fallen behind their Premier League rivals.

Announcing the plans last year, he set out his vision for Carrington’s future: “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.”

United enlisted Foster + Partners, the renowned architectural firm behind the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium, to lead the £50m revamp.

Lord Norman Foster, a lifelong United fan, expressed his pride in taking on the project: “We are delighted to lead the renewal of Manchester United’s training facility in Carrington.

"Our aim is to modernize and revitalize 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.”

Prior to this project, United had already made a £10 million investment in a separate building at Carrington to house the academy and women’s teams.

However, with the first team now occupying that space due to ongoing renovations, the women’s squad has been moved into temporary portable facilities.

Despite some disruption, United remains committed to ensuring the final outcome is a world-class training base that meets the club’s long-term ambitions.

With Brailsford at the helm of these changes, his leadership will be crucial in guiding the club through this transitional period.