David Moyes hopes Manchester United’s new state-of-the-art medical facilities will help carry on the club’s tradition of attracting star players.
It was revealed yesterday that The AON Training Complex at the Red Devils’ Carrington training ground is the first centre of its kind to have ultrasound, MRI and CT scanners on-site in the UK.
The equipment will give club doctor Steve McNally the chance to diagnose injuries at an early stage as well as improving treatment.
Prospective signings could also be attracted by the facilities, something which embattled boss David Moyes highlights as a bonus.
“It’s a wonderful facility that we can show off to new players and something we should be very proud of,” the Reds boss said.
“The Aon Training Complex is one of the leading football centres in the world and to have this new medical unit connected to it is fantastic.”
The new technology, installed in partnership with tech giant Toshiba, could even have a big say on who remains at Old Trafford.
There has been much speculation that star striker Robin Van Persie has been unhappy with his training in a stop-start season – one that has seen a resurgence of his groin and toe problems that he previously suffered at Arsenal.
“It’s private and somewhere the players can trust, which is important for us,” Moyes said.
“It’s a great on-site facility where they can come and know they’ll get the right decision made about their injury.
“We will be able to get scans quicker and have a better idea of when players can train. That will help us get them on the field quicker, which will, in turn, result in fewer injuries.”
Manchester United currently have four first-team players out with Rafael (foot/ankle), Javier Hernandez (knee), Jonny Evans (calf/shin) and Nani (hamstring) with no date set for their return.
United coach Phil Neville, who played under Moyes at Everton, compared the complex to the former training base at The Cliff, which was replaced by Carrington in 1999.
“It’s almost unrecognisable from The Cliff,” he said.
“We have a state-of-the-art facility here now and it’s improving. The pitches are getting better, the sports science departments are getting better and now we’ve got one of the best medical facilities in the world.
Ex-United star Neville echoed Moyes’ claims that the new technology could be key in returning the side to world football’s top table.
“We are trying to attract players and, when they come, they know they are going to get the best of everything. That’s what Manchester United’s all about.”
Image courtesy of MUFCtv via YouTube, with thanks.
