Michael Carrick has stressed the importance of Manchester United’s academy after travelling 300 miles to watch an FA Youth Cup victory over Oxford United.
Manchester United enjoyed a 4-1 win over Oxford United in the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday night to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
The Red Devils are looking to win the competition for a record 12th time, with players like JJ Gabriel and Chido Obi standing out and scoring against Oxford.
Tim Thwaites is another player who impressed during the week, with Michael Carrick in attendance after travelling 300 miles to keep a close eye on the youth team.
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This wasn’t the first time Carrick has shown a keen interest in the youth teams since becoming head coach in January, but it is worth noting that his son Jacey is part of United’s academy.
Even though Carrick is interim head coach until the end of the season, the 44-year-old is keeping tabs on what the future holds for United.
Michael Carrick offers verdict on Man Utd’s academy
United fans will appreciate the fact that Carrick is attending youth games because his presence shows 1) that he cares about the long-term future of the club, 2) he understands the club’s rich traditions, and 3) it means a lot to those academy players.
Carrick has a big job on his hands with United’s first team to secure Champions League football ahead of next season, without knowing if he will be kept on as head coach.
Still, the former United midfielder takes time out to learn more about the youth players at the club.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Carrick explains how much the academy means to him, along with his belief that the youth players are in ‘safe hands’.
“An awful lot,” Carrick said.
“Listen, I’ve always kept that feeling of what it was like as a young player. It’s something I’ve always had an eye on and been passionate about.
“With the tradition of this football club, it’s natural to take that on.
“It’s just as proud a moment as any to give a young player their debut and there’s certainly a want – from not just me but all the staff and everyone at the club – to try and produce the young players and give them opportunities as much as we can.”
Carrick went on to express pride at how United have had an academy player in every first-team matchday squad since the 1930s.
“Huge sense of pride on behalf of the whole football club, I think. It’s really outstanding to have for such a long period of time, and it’s something we need to hold on to.
“It’s what this football club is built upon really, and has been for so many decades. So, yeah, I’m definitely well aware of it and we want to carry it on.”
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Even though Carrick is expected to leave United at the end of the season, it’s clear that he is still planning for the long-term future as if he were going to remain at Old Trafford. That sort of approach and having somebody around with ‘United DNA’ should benefit the club.
When asked about watching the youth teams, Carrick added: “Yeah, I think it’s in great hands. I think it has been. I think historically here it’s kept producing players, year after year.
“We always hope for the next group or the next individual. There’s so much good work that goes into the academy.
“We get carried away sometimes about the football and results. Where we’re at now, it’s wins and draws and losses that count in some ways. But it’s about developing young people and behaviours and helping them.
“There are so many players from this club that have maybe not even made a debut here, but have moved on and had unbelievable careers in the game. And I think that’s something, again, that as a football club we’re really proud of.”
It remains to be seen if Carrick is planning to give out any more debuts to extend United’s list of academy graduates.
Michael Carrick claims he has yet to shout at Man Utd players
It’s been a bright start for Carrick since he returned to United.
United have won four matches and drawn one, which has been enough to put them in the top four.
Carrick confirmed in his latest interview that he hasn’t had to shout at his players yet.
“I haven’t yet, no,” Carrick said.
“There’s a time for all sorts of emotions and that’s the beauty of being in this position – you’ve got to pick the right time and tap on the right kinds of buttons to get the right reactions.”
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