In June, reports surfaced that Manchester United Women’s team had been moved into portable buildings this season to accommodate the men’s team while Carrington, the club’s training ground, underwent a ‘revamp.’ However, manager Marc Skinner has since defended his club against the criticism that followed.
“Everyone in our club has moved. They have all moved to encompass the growth of Carrington,” Skinner explained.
“It wasn’t ready for Manchester United Women four years ago. The club did fantastically well to spend on the new facility to get new pitches. It just wasn’t built and we grew so quickly. When we moved to Carrington, it took time.”
He added: “We went to St George’s Park which was a brilliant experience as we got to gel together. But our training pitches that we train on every day are better than St George’s Park. Ours are newer. You would eat your breakfast off our pitches – they are incredible.”
The women’s team enjoyed a historic season last year, winning the FA Women’s Cup after a 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the final at Wembley. This marked the women’s first major trophy since the team’s professional relaunch in 2018.
Following that success, the decision to relocate the women’s team drew understandable criticism. However, Skinner was quick to dismiss the concerns.
“We’re not training in barracks,” he assured. “We are training in a facility that has been built on site for our players. It has all been branded up today and the girls will move into it tomorrow.”
Skinner also highlighted the growing relationship between the men’s and women’s sides since the revamp began. “We played Blackburn in a pre-season friendly and in the car park, Bruno Fernandes walks past,” He recalled.
“They trained right in front of us while we ate so we got to see them as well. He came back, asked if we had a game then he came to watch the second half after he had showered and got changed. He spoke to all the players. We have a better relationship now because we’re all crossing over.”
Looking ahead, Skinner emphasised the club’s positive direction. “It wouldn’t have sounded ideal in the way it came across at first but I have to give credit for the way the club have put it all together. I know when the facilities are finished, we will only benefit from it.”
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