Manchester United plc is to spend £50 million modernizing facilities for its first team at the Carrington Training Complex.

The project will result in all areas of the building being refurbished to deliver what the club called a “world-class football facility with a positive culture to support future success.”

Cristiano Ronaldo made waves two years ago, during his second stint at the club, when he said “nothing changed” at the training ground in the decade since he was last there. It is a sign that new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking to improve the team’s performance. 

Work is due to start next week. The architectural practice Foster + Partners, led by Manchester-born Lord Norman Foster, has been appointed to run the project. Foster + Partners led the reshaping of Wembley Stadium and the design of the Lusail Stadium in Qatar – the centerpiece of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The renovation work is expected to last for the duration of the 2024-25 season. The club said the initial focus will be on the gym, medical, nutrition, and recovery areas, with a design emphasis on creating more space for collaboration and innovation among players and staff.

Ratcliffe said: “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.”

Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman of Foster + Partners, said: “As a proud Mancunian, it is a particular honor 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.”