17 January 2024 , 13:30
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Manchester United are exploring sites for a potential new training ground, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to take control of football operations.
Ratcliffe has struck a deal to buy 25 per cent of the club from the Glazers and is confident his purchase will be ratified by the Premier League next month. The billionaire has already met with staff, fans and local civic leaders to discuss his plans for the club and a statement from United revealed one of the topics of discussion was the "potential redevelopment of Old Trafford" and the club's facilities.
He has set aside around £250million to upgrade United's infrastructure and the Daily Mail are now reporting that United are considering leaving their current Carrington training ground, where they have been based since 1999, amid concerns about the space needed for redevelopment.
The club have reportedly been 'scoping out golf courses' as potential sites for a new training base. Preliminary talks were held with High Legh Park Golf Club, which was put up for sale last year having been purchased for £2.7m by American Golf in 2021.
Although Carrington has received regular upgrades over the years, the club are said to be concerned that it is 'not currently at the elite level enjoyed by rivals' like Manchester City and Tottenham.
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The report adds that while all options remain on the table, including remaining at Carrington, United believe the current site is 'at maximum capacity' and that purchasing a new site with a minimum of 100 acres of land to build on could be the best option.
Ratcliffe visited Old Trafford last week to watch United's 2-2 draw with Tottenham and he spoke to the media ahead of the game, saying: "It's the first match for me since we got here. I'm very excited to be here, but I can't answer any questions really.
United are considering leaving their Carrington training base (Manchester United via Getty Images)"It's a big match and we normally do well against Spurs. I have met Erik (ten Hag) but it would be inappropriate (to comment on that meeting) until it's all formalised." Ten Hag, however, has been more open about his meetings with Ratcliffe, insisting they are "on the same page" about the club's future.
"It was very positive, I have to say," Ten Hag said earlier this month. "We had a long meeting, so many hours we sat together - and on many issues we were on the same page. It was very positive from both sides. I can say that it was a very constructive meeting and we're looking forward to working with each other.
"Also we have to let it settle down. They're just coming in, introducing themselves, but they have good ideas and we have to see what we can integrate. In togetherness we will work but after one day you can't tell that. They have given me a few (ideas) and we have had our debates about strategies and I think we will come together."