Manchester United hope to install a ring of steel around their Aon Training Complex amid ongoing terror threat

Manchester United are to reinforce their training ground, in the wake of the ongoing terror threat.

The club have applied for planning permission to effectively install a ring of steel around the Aon Training Complex.

New gates, barriers and bollards – aimed at preventing unauthorised vehicles or persons get close to where Jose Mourinho puts his players through their paces – have been ordered as United look to beef up security at their Carrington base.

Manchester United are set to reinforce their training ground amid ongoing terror threat

Manchester United are set to reinforce their training ground amid ongoing terror threat

Senior officials carried out a wide-ranging security review following the attack in Manchester

Senior officials carried out a wide-ranging security review following the attack in Manchester

The move comes after the terror attack on Manchester Arena in May, in which 23 people died and hundreds more were injured when a suicide bomber struck following a pop concert.


It is one of a host of measures called for after a wide-ranging security review by senior club officials.

United’s application, lodged with planning bosses, reads: ‘A range of security measures are proposed as part of the application including new gates, barriers and bollards. These measures will upgrade existing security measures that are in place. This level of security is required due to the high profile of Manchester United and to continue to ensure that visitors are controlled and the complex remains secure. 

The gates will provide the complex with a secure boundary.’ United declined to comment on the move however, Sportsmail understands that they are confident that permission will be granted and that they will be able to start work in the near future.

The plans are designed to stop people or vehicles getting close to where United train

The plans follow on from the introduction of a host of new security measures at Old Trafford.

Before the start of the current season, United banned bags of a certain size from the stadium. Those with bags that are not allowed into the venue now have to take them to special bag drop areas.

As revealed by Sportsmail in January, United became the first club to employ a counter terrorism chief when they drafted in an experienced former Greater Manchester Police officer to fulfil the role.

They have since returned to the same force for a head of security to work with the counter terrorism officer and the head of stadium safety and security.

Meanwhile, United and Barcelona will honour victims of the terror attacks in both cities prior to Saturday's legends between former players from the clubs at Old Trafford. The match will also feature a minute's silence, while both sides will wear black armbands and will have 'Manchester' and 'Barcelona' on their backs instead of player names.

‘Manchester is no stranger to the devastating effects of terrorism and we can empathise with how difficult it must be for the Catalan people to recover from the recent attacks,’ Bryan Robson, who is managing the United side, said.

‘However, as two of the most iconic teams in world sport, we can use the power of football to bring people together. We must unite to show our strength, rally around our communities and stand up together against all forms of terrorism.’