- Man United is exploring golf courses as potential new training grounds
- The Red Devils had discussions with one golf club, but did not reach an agreement
- CHRIS SUTTON: Don’t wait! Sir Jim Ratcliffe must now fire Erik ten Hag It all starts
Manchester United has identified golf courses as potential locations for a new training ground.
Mailsport understands that club officials – wary of space constraints at the Premier League giants’ current base – have focused on courses in the South Manchester region, even holding preliminary discussions with one golf club.
All options remain on the table, but United’s view is that a move from Carrington, where they have been based since 1999, could provide them with the best option to create a world-leading facility.
It is understood that each site must include a minimum of 100 hectares of buildable land to even come close to United’s requirements.
While there have been regular updates on Carrington, it is recognized that it is not currently at the elite level enjoyed by rivals such as City and Tottenham.
Manchester United have been exploring golf courses as potential locations for a training ground
The Red Devils held talks with High Legh Park Golf Club, but an agreement was not reached
High Legh features an 18-hole championship course, a 9-hole course and a 24-hole floodlit driving range, a golf shop, clubhouse bar and restaurant
It remains to be seen who will foot the bill for such a move as INEOS billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe (left) takes control of the football operations
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The belief is that the existing site has maximum capacity, is suffering from a shortage of parking space and that acquiring large acreage elsewhere may be the best option.
It can be revealed that discussions have taken place with High Legh Park Golf Club but no agreement has been reached. It was a forest course in Knutsford and ticked many boxes, not least because it was close to where many of United’s players live.
High Legh boasts an 18-hole championship course, a 9-hole course and a 24-hole floodlit driving range, a golf shop, clubhouse bar and restaurant. The course was bought by Warrington-based American Golf for £2.7 million in 2021 and put up for sale last year.
Sources have revealed that the situation remains ‘fluid’. One option is to build a new facility and retain Carrington and the former base The Cliff, spreading the training operation across several locations. For example, United’s women’s team and academy could remain in Carrington, while the men’s team would be based in a new facility. However, the preference is to host everyone on one site, should a large enough location be found.
Interestingly, Ratcliffe’s INEOS owns the rights to explore for shale gas under Carrington. The petrochemical giant owns a 60 percent stake in an onshore oil and gas license covering large parts of Trafford, including the training ground.
It remains to be seen who will foot the bill for such a move if United were to find a suitable spot elsewhere and decide to act. If his 25 percent investment is confirmed, INEOS billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe will take control of the football operations.
It is understood that each site must include a minimum of 100 hectares of buildable land to even come close to United’s requirements.
Collette Roche, United’s Chief Operating Officer, is overseeing the project, along with Mags Mernagh, who designed Leicester City’s new 185-hectare training ground.
He has already committed to spending £250 million on Old Trafford, although spending on a training facility may be seen as a gray area and is likely to require the agreement of both Ratcliffe and the Glazers.
United’s chief operating officer Collette Roche is overseeing the project. Roche joined the club from Manchester Airport in 2018 and brought in Mags Mernagh, from Leicester City, to work alongside her in 2022.
In 2020, Mernagh – then director of infrastructure at the Midlands club – designed the new 185-acre training ground for the Foxes. Widely regarded as one of the best in the country, it boasts 14 pitches, top sports science and medical facilities and bespoke gyms and hydrotherapy rooms. It is also built on the site of a former golf club and features a nine-hole golf course.
Manchester United declined to comment.