Appearances matter - especially when your nearby rivals have set the gold standard

ONE of the peculiar changes at Carrington this season is the designated parking pay for journalists is now on a grass bank that backs onto a pond.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

There is a 'No swimming' sign with a lifebuoy attached in case of emergency.

The crammed car park needs expanding but it is surrounded by two buildings, football pitches and the entrance and exit, so there is no room.

United's training complex is only 24 years old but it has quickly aged.

United, the club that was ahead of the curve until the Glazer family took ownership, have been left behind.

City, Liverpool and Tottenham have moved into new quarters in the last decade and a high-ranking figure at United was 'amazed' by Leicester City's Seagrave complex on a reconnaissance visit. Its designer, Mags Mernagh, is now the head of infrastructure at United.

Overseas journalists visiting Carrington this season have been crammed into a makeshift press conference room on the upper floor of the main building. The old press room, a glorified broom cupboard, by reception is even smaller and occasionally used.

That is the only designated press facility on the whole premises. The City Football Academy's press conference room is as expansive as a university lecture theatre and there is a separate working area.