Manchester United’s academy players ran rampant in a 5-0 pre-season victory over Rosenborg.
Carrington graduates Shea Lacey, Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass and Ethan Williams were all on the scoresheet as Manchester United dominated Rosenborg in Trondheim.
Last week, in the 1-0 defeat to Wrexham, the silver lining was the impressive performances from academy players. Against Rosenborg, they stepped it up to a new level.
It was a performance that Michael Carrick can be extremely proud of, and several academy players will be hoping to make their breakthrough to the first-team squad. That is a far cry from what Ruben Amorim said about the academy just a few months ago.
Which Manchester United academy star impressed you the most vs Rosenborg?
Shea Lacey, Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass and Ethan Williams all scored, but there were so many impressive performances!
Ruben Amorim’s academy comments have aged terribly
In his final days as United head coach, Amorim lashed out at the academy, suggesting there was an issue with “entitlement” from the young players breaking through.
“Collyer went to West Brom and he’s not playing. He played for Manchester United. So sometimes it’s not because he’s from the academy or whatever. Amass is now struggling in the Championship. Chido is not always a starter in the Under-21s. All these guys played when a lot of people were saying sack the manager.”
Ironically, all three players who were unfairly criticised by Amorim – Toby Collyer, Harry Amass and Chido Obi – all played in the 5-0 demolition of Rosenborg.
Amorim’s academy comments were condemned by Ineos, and the Rosenborg performance has made his words age like milk.
Amorim’s treatment of academy players was unforgivable, and Carrick is now showcasing that United have plenty of extremely promising young players who can strengthen the first team.
What is your response to Ruben Amorim’s apology?
Ruben Amorim has finally addressed Manchester United fans, six months after his sacking
Michael Carrick is restoring Manchester United’s DNA
The trope of ‘United DNA’ is thrown around a lot, and it was especially prominent in the final weeks of Amorim’s tenure.
But it isn’t just some meaningless buzzword, it holds a cultural significance for players, fans and staff. The words ‘Youth. Courage. Success’ are emblazoned on the walls of Carrington and Old Trafford and act as the foundation of the football club.
READ MORE: Shea Lacey impressed Man United’s analysts with more than just his goal vs Rosenborg
There is a unique expectation at United that doesn’t exist at any other club in the world. An expectation to trust in youth, play bold football and to entertain fans.
Carrick is repairing the pillars of United’s success that began to crumble under Amorim. Just a few months ago, there was a complete lack of trust in United’s academy. Now, there is a long queue of deserving teenagers itching to get involved with the first team.
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