Michael Carrick attended his second academy game of the week on Friday night as he watched the Manchester United U18s progress in the FA Youth Cup.
The directors’ box at Old Trafford was packed full of familiar faces on Friday night as the U18s advanced to the FA Youth Cup last 16 against Oxford United.
Michael Carrick was in attendance, as was his entire first-team coaching staff, Jason Wilcox, Christopher Vivell, Stephen Torpey, and even Wayne Rooney.
The group will have been impressed by United’s 2-1 win over Derby, which was more dominant than the scoreline suggests.
Chido Obi will have impressed Carrick with his performance, scoring what turned out to be the winner, and shining throughout. But there was another talent who would also have caught the eye, given that he has been flying under the radar.
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Rafe McCormack stars for Manchester United in FA Youth Cup win
Within Carrington right now, there is an abundance of talented midfielders, each staking their claim to be part of the first team one day.
Sekou Kone is one serious option, while Jim Thwaites, Jayce Fitzgerald and Jacob Devaney are all top talents. Now, we can add Rafe McCormack to this list.
Rafe McCormack on the ball for Manchester United in warm up.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Formerly more of a defender, this season has seen Darren Fletcher push McCormack forward into the midfield, where he has shone as a number six.
McCormack has impressed in midfield all season, but against Derby County at Old Trafford was the best performance yet.
Sitting as the sole holding midfielder, McCormack showcased his ability with and without the ball in what was a truly dominant performance by the 16-year-old.
On one occasion, he was given a poor pass by Dan Armer, which resulted in a three-man Derby press coming at him, but McCormack had the ball control and composure to dribble himself out of danger and find a pass.
In terms of defensive quality, McCormack put in one particularly memorable tackle on the edge of the Derby box as United pressed really high, sliding in and winning it, which resulted in a chance.
Carrick will have been impressed with this performance, and at just 16, McCormack looks like he has a really bright future.
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Jayce Fitzgerald walking out for Manchester United.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
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McCormack could go from underrated to Michael Carrick’s golden boy
Despite his quality being evident, McCormack is far from the biggest name currently in the midfield academy ranks, but that could all change.
With Thwaites injured and Kone likely to head on loan, Carrick’s options for who to promote are a lot slimmer than usual, and if McCormack continues to perform like this, then he could soon play himself into a call-up.
McCormack has intangible qualities which cannot be taught, so he is starting from an already very strong level, which means he could end up being a very special footballer.
The next step would be lots of U21 minutes to gauge his levels physically, but this performance will have put him on the map and caught Carrick’s attention.
Very exciting talent.
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