manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Why Michael Carrick attended Manchester United academy game at Old Trafford

Man Utd interim head coach Michael Carrick attended Old Trafford to watch the Under-18s on Friday night.

Carrick attended the Youth Cup.(Image: )

View Image

Michael Carrick attended Manchester United Under-18s' game against Derby County on Friday night to show further support for the academy. Carrick has been keen to support the youth system since his appointment.

The 44-year-old attended the Under-21s' match against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night, and made his second appearance at an academy game in a week at Old Trafford on Friday.

Carrick sat in the directors' box with Wayne Rooney, whose son, Kai, 16, came on from the bench in the second half of extra-time. Steve Holland, Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate were also in attendance.

Explaining his decision to attend, Carrick told MUTV: "My message of support is that I'm coming along to watch and I'm excited. I was lucky enough to play and win the FA Youth Cup when I was young at West Ham.

"It's such an important competition, especially for this club. Young players, Old Trafford under the floodlights, feeling what it means, a bit of expectation.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for the young boys to go and take the next step. We're all fully behind them, it'll be a tough game, but we're looking forward to it."

The U18s will play Oxford in the next round of the Youth Cup, which United have won more than any other club.

Read full news in source page