Michael Carrick, the newly appointed interim head coach of Manchester United, has welcomed Habeeb Ogunneye into his training sessions this week. Despite gearing up for the high-stakes Manchester derby on Saturday, Carrick hasn't overlooked the potential within the club's academy ranks.
The ex-United midfielder was unveiled as the new manager on Tuesday evening, facing a formidable first challenge against City. Swiftly assembling his coaching team, he got down to business at Carrington with players who had previously been under Darren Fletcher's guidance following Ruben Amorim's dismissal.
Eager to make his mark, Carrick included 20-year-old defender Ogunneye in his training sessions. Recently recalled from a loan spell at Newport County, Ogunneye was given the opportunity to impress by training alongside the senior squad.
The pathway from the academy to the first team has been evident recently, with Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey earning playing time. However, The Sun claim that the plan is to send Ogunneye out on another loan for the second half of the season.
Ogunneye found himself lower in the pecking order at Newport after Dave Hughes, a former United academy coach, was dismissed as manager and replaced by Christian Fuchs. The right-back will continue his training at Carrington before another move is arranged.
Carrick's decision to involve Travis Binnion, who has been elevated from his position as lead coach for United's Under-21s and previously served as the academy's head of player development and coaching, underscores his commitment to strengthening the bond between the academy and the first team.
On the Inside Carrington podcast, Carrick shared his thoughts on the recent promotion of academy players to the first team. "I've absolutely loved it. Everyone needs a chance, you know. Every younger player needs a chance and wants a chance. It's up to them to then earn the opportunity," he said.
"That's always something I've been passionate about. Even when I was playing, if a younger player comes into the group, into the squad, I would be helping them and trying to guide them and give them advice. Seeing them flourish and almost fly because they've got that feeling they play for the first team and they've got that opportunity to come on the pitch.
"It's what this club has seen for so long and what we are all excited about. It's what the fans want to see, that freshness and rawness and unpredictable talent. So, for me to work with the players, to try to help them and give them opportunities, I'm definitely all for that because that's what this place should be."