Erik's view on 'exciting' Carrington development

Work commenced last month on the project to create a high-performance collaborative environment for players and staff at the complex, which first opened in the year 2000.

Temporary adaptations have been made at the site, ensuring players and staff from all of our teams can continue to perform this season.

It was the first day back for the men’s team on Monday and, while Ten Hag is enthusiastic about the world-class base under construction, he appreciates the planning that has gone into making sure Carrington is operational in the short-term.

“In football, it’s always the next game is the most important game, and so the next season is always the most important season,” the manager said, in his exclusive sit-down interview.

“We really have something to look forward to, being constructed [here], and that will be the best training ground in English football, but the most important is now.

“We live today and they did a great job to make this work and make this facility work to a professional condition, so we can work professionally. Four weeks ago here, it was chaotic, now it's set up so professionally.

“We have a compact training ground, we have everything nearby, in good conditions, in good standards.”

The revamp of Carrington is one of numerous changes that have been made under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and there is a sense that the 2024/25 season marks the start of a new era at the club.

Ten Hag is embracing the upheaval, after signing a contract extension last week, and says there is an exciting future ahead.

“There is no way not to be positive about this. It’s really exciting,” he added.

“You can feel the vibe already in this new facility, this new building. It’s our house and now we have to work in this.

“We’re looking forward and, as I say, it’s exciting. It’s all new and that gives a new dynamic as well.”