One of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first actions as Manchester United co-owner was to sanction a £50m training ground renovation.
Christmas Eve marked one year of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership at Manchester United since his £1.2bn takeover deal.
It has been a chaotic first 12 months for the British billionaire, with Ratcliffe making several controversial decisions, including 250 jobs being cut at the club.
There have been some positives to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s reign, including a new footballing structure being put in place headed by new CEO Omar Berrada.
Talks are also ongoing over the future of Old Trafford. Ratcliffe wants to build a 100,000-seater stadium at United and a final decision on the stadium is expected later this year.
But one of Ratcliffe’s best decisions so far was announced back in June when United confirmed a £50m renovation plan at Carrington.
What is Manchester United’s ‘Project Avalon’ at Carrington?
United’s official website confirmed in June that work on a £50m project had begun which was designed to renovate Carrington into a “world-class footballing facility”.
Cristiano Ronaldo blasted Carrington on his way out of the club during his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan. The United legend slammed the dated facilities at the club complex, claiming nothing had changed since he left for Real Madrid in 2009.
However, Ronaldo’s concerns will soon be a thing of the past with The Athletic now sharing new details on United’s Carrington refurbishment, which has been nicknamed “Project Avalon”.
The cleverly-named project refers to the island of Avalon in Celtic mythology, where King Arthur’s sword was forged. United will hope that their new training facilities helps to forge world-class talent.
Construction work has been underway for several months now which has forced United’s first team players to use the women’s facilities – which were recently renovated in a £20m project in 2023.
The renovation will target almost every department within the training facility, including improved IT systems, a new players’ gym and preparation space, medical facilities, nutrition provision, and rest and recuperation areas.
One Ineos source added that reducing injury rates among players is a particular focal point. The renovation will provide the club with state-of-the-art medical facilities.
United suffered an injury crisis last season that put Erik ten Hag and his squad in a difficult position. Ruben Amorim introduced a rotation policy that helped slow injuries, but soon he and his squad will have access to better medical and recovery equipment.
When will Man United’s Carrington renovation be complete?
With United down in 13th in the Premier League table, Amorim’s aims this season will be to stabilise his squad and prepare for the next campaign. That is when he will be truly judged.
That is also, coincidentally, when United will have access to their new training facility.
Everything is on track for the £50m ‘Project Avalon’ to be completed by the end of the season.
READ MORE: Ineos are one player away from a clean sweep with new signings, four are major hits
Amorim wants more time to train his players, and over the summer he and his squad will have world-class facilities to help them prepare for 2025/26.
United are set to go on a post-season tour to Malaysia in what is another controversial Ineos decision.
By the time the Red Devils get back and plan their summer training schedule, the training facilities should be open and available.
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