Rooney Backs Carrick for Attending Academy Games: ‘That Is How the Club Should Be Run’ | OneFootball

Wayne Rooney has publicly endorsed Michael Carrick’s decision to personally attend Manchester United academy fixtures in his first fortnight as head coach, telling BBC Radio 5 Live it gives a lift to players and their parents – and that it used to be the norm but has been missing in the last few years.

BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone reports that Carrick and his coaching team – including Jonathan Woodgate and Steve Holland – went to Leigh to watch United’s Under 21 side. On Friday, Carrick sat alongside Rooney in the directors’ box as Kai Rooney came off the bench to help United through to the last 16 of the FA Youth Cup with a win over Derby. The coaching staff were also present at an Under-16 fixture on Saturday before travelling to London.

Carrick attended two academy games in his first fortnight in charge of Manchester United, watching the Under 21 side at Leigh and the Under 16 game at Carrington. The breadth of that commitment – spanning age groups and competitions – is not incidental.

Rooney’s verdict: ‘That is how the club should be run’

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Rooney, who has two sons currently in the United academy, was categorical in his praise. He told BBC Radio 5 Live that he had been vocal about wanting the coaches to take a big interest in the academy – and that its absence in recent years had been a disappointment for players and parents alike. He described the lift it gives to young players when the first-team manager is physically present in the stands as an illustration of how the club should operate.

That last line carries weight. Rooney is speaking as the father of two players in the academy, per his comments. His endorsement is both personal and pointed.

The contrast with Amorim’s tenure

Stone’s report notes explicitly that while Ruben Amorim did watch an academy session on a training pitch at Carrington, he was never observed watching United’s young players in person at a stadium. The contrast with Carrick’s first fortnight is stark and intentional.

Amorim’s short spell was turbulent for reasons that extended well beyond academy policy, Carrick appears to understand that symbolic acts matter – that a manager sitting in the stands sends a message no internal memo can replicate.

Read more on Carrick’s managerial approach and the changes he has implemented at Carrington

This is consistent with the broader picture of how Carrick has positioned himself on youth – making clear that coaches are taking a big interest in the academy and that, in the next few years, some players might get an opportunity for the first team so it is important they have that interest.

What comes next for United’s academy players

Watching games is one thing; selecting academy graduates for Premier League matchday squads is the moment that separates policy from practice. United’s FA Youth Cup run has put young players in the spotlight,

United’s continued investment in young talent reflects the direction Carrick is setting from the top

For now, though, the signal Carrick is sending – the academy fixtures Carrick has attended – is being received exactly as intended. Rooney said: “It is great to see that coming back into the club.”