By Angus Barnes
Nobody in world football will be envious of the task facing Manchester United's new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The INEOS founder has chosen to take on the project of rebuilding United to a standard where they are competing at the top of the Premier League again. Never has the saying 'easier said than done' been more appropriate. While the Reds have stagnated, some of their rivals have moved from strength to strength.
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In a bid to restore the balance, Ratcliffe made the wise appointment of Manchester City's head of football operations Omar Berrada as the club's new CEO. In his previous role, Berrada showcased the ability to create a first-class footballing environment. With so many issues needing to be addressed at United, it would be easy for both him and Ratcliffe to focus on the short-term problems that need fixing this summer.
For instance, United need an overhaul of their squad in the summer transfer window and Old Trafford desperately needs either renovating or rebuilding. But Carrington cannot be ignored. During his infamous interview with Piers Morgan, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a damning verdict that should still haunt the Reds. "Nothing changed. Surprisingly. Not only the pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym, even some points, the technology, the kitchen, the chefs, which is, I appreciate, lovely persons," he explained.
This assessment cannot be dismissed as a Ronaldo tantrum. When Charlie Savage joined Reading at the beginning of the campaign, he told the club's YouTube channel their training ground was on a par with United's, with no disrespect to the Royals but United's facilities should not be mentioned in the same breath as a struggling League One club's.
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At the weekend, a Cheshire golf club denied United were in talks to purchase their land to build a new training complex and MEN Sport understands the club is considering relocating. While this is just a consideration at the moment, maybe the Carrington issue should be moved to the top of the priority list in a bid to bridge the gap between United and their rivals.
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