Manchester United has made a significant change in its managerial structure, officially dismissing Erik Ten Hag during the recent international break. This decision comes amidst the club’s ongoing renovations at the Carrington training complex, where they are investing £50 million to modernize facilities and enhance the team's performance.
In a bid to improve privacy during training sessions, Ten Hag has requested the installation of a £200,000 privacy wall. This addition aims to shield the players from prying eyes and provide some protection against adverse weather conditions. While this request has been approved by the club's hierarchy, it has sparked debate among staff regarding its necessity, particularly in light of the club's recent cost-cutting measures that resulted in 250 job losses.
The focus on improving the training environment is part of a larger commitment from the club’s new co-owners to invest savings back into first-team operations. However, the decision to allocate funds for the privacy wall raises questions about priorities, especially since there were reports that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe even scrapped the team’s usual perks for the FA Cup final last season.
This isn’t the first instance of unusual modifications at Carrington; former manager Louis van Gaal once installed windbreakers, famously stating that "wind is not always a friend of the players." These ongoing upgrades reflect Manchester United's determination to enhance its facilities for both players and coaching staff.
Despite a rocky start to the current season and a less-than-ideal position in the league table, Ten Hag appears to maintain confidence in the backing from Manchester United’s leadership as they navigate these transitions.