The important job which will influence next season Paul Heckingbottom has been asked to perform

Speaking ahead of today’s visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where anything other than a win could see United’s relegation from the Premier League mathematically confirmed, Heckingbottom revealed he is taking part in a consultation about how to upgrade the Steelphalt Academy training complex ahead of next term.

Improving the players’ daily working environment became a cause celebre for Chris Wilder who expressed concerns the once state-of-the-art complex had become outdated and unfit for purpose before parting company with his boyhood club last month.

United’s owner, Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud rejected many of the 53-year-old’s criticisms during an outspoken and, from the League Managers Associations’ perspective, controversial interview about the circumstances surrounding his exit.

But Heckingbottom, who coached United’s under-23’s before stepping into the breach, said: “We are having discussions about changing things around at the training ground because then it is ready for next season. And that gives them, the players, the best possible chance of starting well.”

"I’m in contact with the owners,” he added. “They’re in touch but not so much about what’s going on (with the search for a manager). More the here and now stuff.”

The Star understands Wilder and his coaching staff had costed and commissioned the construction of several prefabricated buildings on the site in Shirecliffe after guiding United to a ninth placed finish last term. The project mirrored one undertaken by AFC Bournemouth during their own rapid rise through the divisions. Bur the Covid-19 pandemic and first national lockdown put paid to those plans.

"We want things to be right and that’s why we’re looking at all sorts, even though the focus is on the game coming up,” Heckingbottom said. “It’s important, wheoever is in charge, that everything is set up for them and the players so that everyone can get going as quickly as possible. It’s something that should give us the best possible chance of hitting the ground running.”