Man Utd announced their latest group of first-year scholars last week, following a signing ceremony at Old Trafford.
Jacey Carrick with his scholarship deal.(Image: Manchester United)
View Image
Jacey Carrick described signing his Manchester United scholarship deal as "special", while Kai Rooney said he hoped it was the start of "something great".
United held a celebration event at Old Trafford for the latest intake of scholars in recognition of their achievement. The scholars were given a shirt with their surname and '26' on the back, along with a United blazer and other items, to celebrate their achievements to date.
Head of the academy Stephen Torpey addressed the audience during the event, while United academy graduate Wes Brown was invited to speak about his experience coming through the club's youth ranks.
Michael Carrick was pictured with his wife and son, Jacey, at the scholarship signing ceremony, while Wayne Rooney was pictured with his son, Kai.
Kai Rooney made his debut at Old Trafford last season, coming on from the bench in an FA Youth Cup game against Derby. Jacey Carrick did not make his Youth Cup debut, but he will be involved as an Under-18 player next term.
Reacting to his scholarship deal, Carrick said: "This day is very special because I remember the first time when I signed for Man United and it just brings back flashbacks. To put this blazer on is brilliant".
Rooney reacted: "It symbolises the start of something hopefully great, and something with lots of memories to come with lots of hard work."
During Torpey's speech, he said: "Boys, each and every one of you in the room is going to have to show courage to be successful in your lives. To be successful at Old Trafford on that pitch, you're going to have to show courage that deserves to wear this blazer with pride, but also to go on and be as successful as you want to be in your career.
"But we want you to do it with character, we want you to be yourself, we want you to show the character to wear this badge with pride, and the weight of this blazer, badge and jersey, because we know it's not going to be easy. There is a high demand on anyone who wears this badge.
"I want you to understand that, but I want you to do it your way with authenticity and your uniqueness because each and every one of you is different.
"It doesn't go unnoticed how much effort you guys put in, but ultimately to be sat in Old Trafford as a Manchester United player is really special, so I want you all to put your hands together and give all the boys a huge congratulations."
United's first-year scholars
Goalkeepers: Jake Ford.
Defenders: Harley Emsden-James, Idris Fabiyi, Gazi Ibragimov, Connor Laurie, Samuel O'Brien.
Midfielders: Jaume Camacho Sidos, Jacey Carrick, Harlem McLaughlin, Pharell Silvester, Emmanuel Ziro, Jodie Nganga.
Forwards: Edson de Jonge-Seiros, Camron Mpofu, Kai Rooney.