United undergoing major behind-the-scenes change ahead of next season report

Manchester United are preparing for an exciting 2026/27 campaign after ensuring an impressive end to the 2025/26 season. The Red Devils turned over a new leaf following the arrival of Michael Carrick in mid-January and went on a mesmerising run to secure third place in the Premier League table. Premier League top six: 2025/26 Season PosTeamGames PlayedGames WonGames DrawnGames LostGoals ScoredGoals ConcededGoal DifferencePoints 1Arsenal38267571274485 2Manchester City38239677354278 3Manchester United382011769501971 4Aston Villa38198115649765 5Liverpool381791263531060 6Bournemouth38131875854457 Source – Premier League website. The English giants will subsequently return to the Champions League next campaign after a two-year hiatus. Understandably, INEOS are working to upgrade the squad before the start of the campaign, especially as the midfield is in urgent need of reinforcements. Casemiro has left the club as a free agent, while Manuel Ugarte’s future also hangs in the balance. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that United have already secured the signature of Atalanta midfielder Ederson. Further additions are expected to the squad as the Red Devils prepare to fight on four fronts next season. However, it now appears that the Old Trafford hierarchy is also making a major change to the facilities. United renovating Old Trafford pitch According to United’s website, the Old Trafford pitch is undergoing renovation ahead of the eagerly awaited new season. The report states: “For the first time in 14 years, since the summer before season 2012/13, the hallowed turf in M16 is being completely dug up and stripped back to its foundation.” “Led by award-winning groundsman Tony Sinclair and his team of experts, it will be regrown in a concerted effort to improve player welfare and water drainage.” United already have one of the best pitches in the country, which has successfully withstood the Manchester weather for years. However, work is in progress to improve the facilities and ensure a better experience for the players. The waste generated in the process will be “recycled and reused within the trade.” Old Trafford’s hybrid pitch renovated for the final time The report reveals that the Old Trafford pitch contains 96% natural grass infused with 4% artificial fibres, stating: “In case you didn’t know, our pitch is a hybrid surface consisting of 96% natural grass that’s reinforced by 4% artificial fibres stitched deep into the soil.” “Used by leading teams around the world, this process allows grass to intertwine with plastic to create an exceptionally durable, even and well-draining surface.” The report also confirms that the Old Trafford pitch is undergoing maintenance for the final time in its history, adding: “It is being regrown from scratch for the final time at the current Old Trafford, with a proposed new stadium being worked on for the coming years.” In addition to renovating the pitch, United are also working to improve safety around the surface, with the report concluding: “The grass is being extended to provide a consistent surface at pitchside, and a layer of protection is being added to the brickwork at the foot of Old Trafford’s famous slope.” Final Thoughts The mood is understandably upbeat around Old Trafford in anticipation of the upcoming campaign. If these are indeed the final years at the iconic stadium, United fans will be hoping the team can lift the Premier League title one final time at the Theatre of Dreams. Optimists will point out that the pitch renovation is part of preparations for a historic triumph next season under Michael Carrick. Featured image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.