Wayne Rooney has made his feelings clear on Ruben Amorim's neglect of Manchester United's youth teams during his time in charge
Ruben Amorim looks on
Ruben Amorim didn't pay much attention to Manchester United's academy players(Image: Getty)
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Wayne Rooney admits he was disappointed by Ruben Amorim's lack of interest in the Manchester United academy.
Plenty was said about the dichotomy between Amorim and United’s core principles of trusting in youth during his 14-month tenure as first-team head coach, with critics claiming he didn’t understand the club's traditions.
In the weeks since the Portuguese was sacked and club legend Michael Carrick replaced him as interim boss until the end of the season, many have been left delighted by the latter’s interest in the club’s youth teams, echoing the example set by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Amorim rarely turned to the academy to utilise its talent, even opting to freeze Kobbie Mainoo out of the starting line-up. Meanwhile, Carrick already appears open to relying on youngsters possessing ‘Manchester United DNA’, having watched United’s U21s side last Tuesday.
Carrick’s own son plays for the U16s and other youngsters’ parents believe their children will have a greater chance now, given the ex-midfielder’s deeper understanding. That includes Carrick’s former team-mate Rooney, whose sons Kai and Klay also play in United’s youth teams.
The legendary striker has now opened up on the frustration he felt towards Amorim’s approach while praising Carrick, who sat with Rooney in the directors’ box at Old Trafford as they watched United beat Derby in the FA Youth Cup on Friday.
Kai Rooney of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup fourth round match between Manchester United and Derby County at Old Trafford on January 23, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Wayne Rooney's son, Kai, plays for United's U18s(Image: Getty)
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Rooney said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It is great to see all the coaches taking a big interest in the academy. In the next few years some of those players might get an opportunity for the first team so it is important they have that interest.
"On Saturday, they were all at the Under-16s game as well before they travelled to London. It is great to see that coming back into the club.
"I have been quite vocal on this. It used to be the norm but it has been missing in the last few years. With my two lads in the academy, I haven't seen that and it was a bit disappointing. The lift it gives to the players, and the players' parents, seeing the first team manager there. That is how the club should be run."
Michael Carrick watches Manchester United's Under-21 side with Jonathan Woodgate and Steve Holland
Michael Carrick has already shown an interest(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC/Getty)
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Kai, aged just 16, came off the bench for United’s U18s as they beat Derby 2-1 last week. It marked the teenage forward’s Old Trafford debut.
He began playing for United's U18s this season at the age of 15, a few months before his birthday in November. He made his debut as a substitute during their 1-0 win against his father's boyhood club, Everton, at Finch Farm back in August.