Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe believes that the club’s recently renovated training facility is “world-class performance environment” that can help bring it back to its former glory.
The Carrington training ground, which has been United’s home since 2000, has received a £50 million ($67 million) investment.
After returning from their pre-season tour of the United States, Ruben Amorim’s squad moved into the men’s first-team building this week. The renovation work was finished during the 2024/25 season.
When he purchased a minority stake in the 20-time English champions last year, British billionaire Ratcliffe pledged to invest $300 million in infrastructure.
In a statement posted on the club’s website, Ratcliffe stated, “We made the quick decision to invest significantly in the creation of a world-class performance environment for staff and players. This will reflect our ambition and vision for Manchester United.”
We are pleased with the outcome, and we are confident that the club’s new facility will help create a positive culture.
Foster + Partners, which was appointed last September to develop the master plan for a new 100, 000-capacity stadium, was in charge of the training ground project.
Last year, United’s men’s team had their worst campaign in 51 years, finishing 15th in the table.
In Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge, they haven’t won the Premier League since 2013.
With the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko joining RB Leipzig in a £74 million deal, Amorim has a revised attack plan for the new campaign.
England batter Emma Lamb hits 55 off just 32 balls to help Birmingham Phoenix reach 148 from their 100 balls against Trent Rockets in their first match of this year’s Hundred.
FOLLOW LIVE: The Hundred: Rockets chasing 149 v Phoenix
In this Thursday’s Mirror Daily Digest, we’ve pulled together the biggest stories of the day from the sad news of how the mum of a slain schoolboy learnt about his death, to the reality of one of Europe’s top ‘ party strips ‘
River Island plans to shut 33 shops(Image: PA)
Welcome to the Mirror’s Daily Digest, where we pull together all the best stories of the day from our News, Showbiz, Sport teams and more. This Friday, we’re featuring everything from River Island’s planned closure of 33 high street stores, to the tragic story of how slain teen Harvey Willgoose’s mother found out about his death.
In other news, we’re also taking a look at how two cruise ship tourists died in bad weather, the depressing reality of the Magaluf ‘party strip’ in 2025, and the sad news of the death of Corrie icon Frank Grimes.
Harvey Willgoose: Mum learned schoolboy son had been killed through ‘ RIP ‘ post
(Image: Facebook)
Earlier this afternoon, our UK News team shared the story of how Harvey Willgoose’s mum screamed in horror when she found out her son had been murdered at school. And she said she will forever be haunted with guilt because she urged the 15-year-old to return to the “lions’ den”.
Caroline Willgoose, 51 and her husband Mark, 52, spoke to The Mirror about only discovering their “amazing” son had died after seeing a social media post saying ‘RIP Harvey’. Despite their grief the couple have vowed to fight on until knife arches are installed in schools. “Children are going to school scared,” she told the Mirror. “This cannot be allowed to happen again.”
The defendant, a fellow pupil also aged 15 who cannot be named, had already admitted manslaughter but denied murder, saying he lost control and did not remember stabbing Harvey twice. But after more than 14 hours of deliberations the jury convicted him of murder with a majority verdict of 11-1. He is expected to be sentenced later this year.
Read the full story here .
River Island to shut 33 stores with hundreds to lose their jobs
River Island plans to shut 33 shops(Image: PA)
Our Money team reported earlier today that major high street chain River Island has announced it will shut dozens of stores – leaving hundreds of people jobless. The move, part of a long-in-the-works “restructuring plan” worked up to prevent the chain from collapsing into administration, will see River Island shutter 33 shops and pay reduced rents on a further 71.
The clothing retailer is looking to secure further funding later this year to avoid falling into millions of pounds’ worth of debt. Landlords are being asked to cut rents for three years and potentially stop payments completely on some sites in a bid to stem losses. Matthew Weaver KC, for River Island, told a hearing on Friday that the company “simply has not been able to reverse” a trend of financial difficulty as the restructuring plan was approved by the High Court in the UK.
In written submissions, he cited a decline in footfall and sales due to “the pressures of a highly competitive and changing retail environment as well as the prevailing trend away from high street retail stores to online shopping”. It comes after Royal Mail made a major delivery rule change from this week for millions of UK homes.
Read the full story here .
Frank Grimes dead: Coronation Street actor dies after short illness
Frank Grimes as Barry Connor in the ITV soap Coronation Street
Our Showbiz team shared the sad story this afternoon that Coronation Street actor Frank Grimes has died at the age of 78. The actor died following a short illness, with The Irish Cultural Centre paying tribute to the acting legend.
Frank starred as Barrington “Barry” Connor in the ITV soap at regular intervals between 2008 to 2015 and played the father of Paul Connor, Liam Connor and Michelle Connor. Barry even made a return in 2015 to attend Michelle’s wedding to Steve McDonald. In all, he appeared in more than 50 episodes over the years and was a key character in the Connor family.
In a statement, they said: “Frank was undoubtedly one of Ireland’s greatest actors, he was a dearly loved friend of the ICC’s and over the past three decades, he trod the ICC’s stage on so many occasions”.
Read the full story here .
Two cruise ship tourists killed as gales batter Greece
Two tourists have died at sea after gale-force winds battered Milos, Greece(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Our World News team reported that two cruise ship tourists have died at sea in Greece after strong winds battered a holiday hotspot – causing travel chaos for thousands of travellers.
A man and a woman, both from Vietnam, were found on the Sarakiniko beach on the popular holiday island of Milos. The coastguard confirmed the travellers died following a tragic incident on Friday.
A spokesperson for the local coastguard said: “The man and woman were found unconscious in the sea and were taken to the local health centre”.
Read the full story here .
Woman takes video of Magaluf party strip in 2025 and reality is devastating
The Magaluf strip, once beloved by Brits is seeing its popularity falter(Image: David Ramos, Getty Images)
Our Travel team reported this afternoon that Magaluf, once synonymous with sun-soaked fun, beach frolics, and raucous nightlife, has seen its allure wane lately. And a stark video exposes the sad state of this once-thriving Majorcan hotspot.
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At the start of the season, the sight of vacant sun loungers was telling. What’s more, pub landlords confessed to adjusting opening hours in response to the changing tourist demographic. This downturn in visitor numbers is attributed to stringent measures against disorderly holidaymakers.
The notorious Punta Ballena strip came under fire when former Majorca official Jose Ramon Bauza denounced it as “500 metres of shame”. Bauza’s scathing critique followed an incident where a young woman was duped into performing indecent acts for what she believed was a complimentary holiday, only to be rewarded with a cocktail mockingly named ‘Holiday’.
Music legend Midge Ure has cancelled all upcoming dates of his tour due to an ‘urgent’ health issue, with the musician taking to Instagram to share the sad news
1980s pop star Midge Ure has told fans a health issue means he need to cancel gigs (Image: Cambridge News)
A 1980s pop star has told his fans that because of a recently discovered health matter all up-and-coming gigs will be cancelled. Music legend Midge Ure declared he is ‘truly sorry’, but an ‘urgent’ health issue needs to be dealt with, the Ultravox frontman shared the update in an Instagram post.
Fans were quick to respond to the post with well wishes and positive messages, with one follower saying ‘my heart goes out to you’. Midge Ure postponed his tour on Wednesday (August 6) after a health matter was discovered when he attended a routine medical check-up.
The electronic pop group Ultravox frontman said he is ‘feeling positive’, but expressed ‘great sadness’ at having to cancel the tour. However, he did reassure fans that his A Man of Two Worlds tour, in May/June is ‘very much going ahead’.
READ MORE: Holly Willoughby lets her hair down in white swimsuit on sun soaked holidayREAD MORE: Sad fortune Steve Irwin left his wife and kids as they went into debt
Midge Ure on the ‘Good Morning Britain’ TV show, London, UK – 14 Jul 2025(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Midge Ure, aged 71, plans to go ahead with some solo performances scheduled this month (August). However September shows and those following, including some in the US and Australia will be postponed.
In the social media post, Midge wrote: “Friends, I just want to say a big thank you for the outpouring of love and wishes you’ve sent. It genuinely means so much.
“I am positive and hope to be back in action before the end of the year. With thanks and love, Midge.”
Although he has not confirmed a date to return to tour, Midge said he is hoping to be back on stage by the end of 2025.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the 80s pop star explained: “During a recent routine check-up, doctors discovered a health issue that requires urgent treatment and a period of recovery.
“It is with great sadness and difficulty that I have to reschedule all shows planned from September onwards.”
He added: “I know many of you travel great distances, often across borders to attend the shows, and I never take that support for granted. I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience or disruption this causes to your plans.
“I remain fully committed to performing all shows scheduled for this month and I’m looking forward to being out there with you for as long as I’m able.”
“I’m aiming to be back on the road again as soon as possible. My team and I are working closely with promoters to reschedule affected dates.
“I kindly ask you, respect the privacy of myself and my family during this difficult time.”
Hundreds of followers commented on Midge’s post to show support, one wrote ‘strength and healing to you and your family. Take all the time you need’.
Another wrote ‘love, hugs, strength and recovery. We’ll see you soon. Sending much love and healing vibes’.
One fan penned: ‘Wishing you the speediest of recoveries. Everyone will fully understand that you need to put yourself first in such circumstances. Sending positive vibes and well wishes. Hugs.”
Vienna, the best-known song by the pop band was released in 1981, reaching No 2 in the UK charts. Midge became famous in the 1980s as frontman of Ultravox, then he went on to be co-founder of the Band Aid music campaign alongside Bob Geldof. Together they co-wrote Do They Know It’s Christmas? Which was released in 1984.
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The charity single raised funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, at the time and was performed at Live Aid in 1985. Midge reunited with Bob for a 40th anniversary tribute of the Band Aid earlier this year (2025).
Music legend Midge Ure has cancelled all upcoming dates of his tour due to an ‘urgent’ health issue, with the musician taking to Instagram to share the sad news
1980s pop star Midge Ure has told fans a health issue means he need to cancel gigs (Image: Cambridge News)
A 1980s pop star has told his fans that because of a recently discovered health matter all up-and-coming gigs will be cancelled. Music legend Midge Ure declared he is ‘truly sorry’, but an ‘urgent’ health issue needs to be dealt with, the Ultravox frontman shared the update in an Instagram post.
Fans were quick to respond to the post with well wishes and positive messages, with one follower saying ‘my heart goes out to you’. Midge Ure postponed his tour on Wednesday (August 6) after a health matter was discovered when he attended a routine medical check-up.
The electronic pop group Ultravox frontman said he is ‘feeling positive’, but expressed ‘great sadness’ at having to cancel the tour. However, he did reassure fans that his A Man of Two Worlds tour, in May/June is ‘very much going ahead’.
READ MORE: Holly Willoughby lets her hair down in white swimsuit on sun soaked holidayREAD MORE: Sad fortune Steve Irwin left his wife and kids as they went into debt
Midge Ure on the ‘Good Morning Britain’ TV show, London, UK – 14 Jul 2025(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Midge Ure, aged 71, plans to go ahead with some solo performances scheduled this month (August). However September shows and those following, including some in the US and Australia will be postponed.
In the social media post, Midge wrote: “Friends, I just want to say a big thank you for the outpouring of love and wishes you’ve sent. It genuinely means so much.
“I am positive and hope to be back in action before the end of the year. With thanks and love, Midge.”
Although he has not confirmed a date to return to tour, Midge said he is hoping to be back on stage by the end of 2025.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the 80s pop star explained: “During a recent routine check-up, doctors discovered a health issue that requires urgent treatment and a period of recovery.
“It is with great sadness and difficulty that I have to reschedule all shows planned from September onwards.”
He added: “I know many of you travel great distances, often across borders to attend the shows, and I never take that support for granted. I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience or disruption this causes to your plans.
“I remain fully committed to performing all shows scheduled for this month and I’m looking forward to being out there with you for as long as I’m able.”
“I’m aiming to be back on the road again as soon as possible. My team and I are working closely with promoters to reschedule affected dates.
“I kindly ask you, respect the privacy of myself and my family during this difficult time.”
Hundreds of followers commented on Midge’s post to show support, one wrote ‘strength and healing to you and your family. Take all the time you need’.
Another wrote ‘love, hugs, strength and recovery. We’ll see you soon. Sending much love and healing vibes’.
One fan penned: ‘Wishing you the speediest of recoveries. Everyone will fully understand that you need to put yourself first in such circumstances. Sending positive vibes and well wishes. Hugs.”
Vienna, the best-known song by the pop band was released in 1981, reaching No 2 in the UK charts. Midge became famous in the 1980s as frontman of Ultravox, then he went on to be co-founder of the Band Aid music campaign alongside Bob Geldof. Together they co-wrote Do They Know It’s Christmas? Which was released in 1984.
Article continues below
The charity single raised funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, at the time and was performed at Live Aid in 1985. Midge reunited with Bob for a 40th anniversary tribute of the Band Aid earlier this year (2025).
Luke Littler avoided a major upset as he won a final-leg decider 6-5 against Haupai Puha to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Darts Masters.
The world champion averaged 91.80 and looked set to exit a world series event at the first hurdle for the first time as he laboured against world number 94 Puha.
The New Zealander led 2-0 and had the darts at 5-5 but Littler, who also lifted the World Matchplay title in July, sealed his victory with a 13-dart finish against the throw.
“I had to grind it out. I’ll be honest, not much practice has been put in, people don’t see behind the scenes, body clock, not sleeping, it has an effect”.
The 18-year-old will now play Australian Damon Heta in the last eight, while world number one Luke Humphries will take on Mike de Decker, who advanced 6-2 against Brandon Weening.
Humphries also had a slow start in his match against New Zealander Jonny Tata, losing the first two legs, but fought back to win 6-3.
Defending champion Gerwyn Price, who beat Littler 8-1 in last year’s final, overcame Joe Comito 6-3, while top seed Stephen Bunting cruised to a 6-1 success past Brody Klinge.
