Manchester United Under-18s head coach Darren Fletcher has shown his appreciation for Michael Carrick and his staff attending Wednesday’s FA Youth Cup win over Oxford United.
Fletcher’s young Reds produced an excellent performance at the Kassam Stadium, winning 4-1 with goals from Albert Mills, Gabriel, Chido Obi and Noah Ajayi.
Our exciting U18s are now looking forward to a home quarter-final tie against Sunderland or Brighton & Hove Albion, who are set to play on Tuesday 24 February.
Our exciting U18s are now looking forward to a home quarter-final tie against Sunderland or Brighton & Hove Albion, who are set to play on Tuesday 24 February.
Carrick has been present at several Academy fixtures since his appointment as first-team head coach in January.
The United legend is keen to cast his eye over the next generation of players who are working hard to graduate from our famed youth system.
The United legend is keen to cast his eye over the next generation of players who are working hard to graduate from our famed youth system.
Despite the challenging conditions and a long journey, Michael travelled to Oxford and back to support our FA Youth Cup hopefuls, alongside his assistant coaches Travis Binnion and Jonny Evans.
Fletcher has revealed the players hadn’t been briefed on their presence, but explained why it’s so important to everybody involved.
Fletcher has revealed the players hadn’t been briefed on their presence, but explained why it’s so important to everybody involved.
“I'm not sure if they were aware of it, to be honest,”
Darren told us.
“I didn't want to draw their attention to it, to add more pressure, so, ultimately, it's just great they were there.
“Whether the players were aware of it, I'm not sure, we stayed in our own bubble. I didn't want to allude to the fact that the first-team manager was there and his staff were there.
“I think, ultimately, the biggest thing is that they are there to support, they are there to get their eyes on the players and it's amazing. It shows how connected we are, it shows how the club is and those guys get it.
“It's great for us that they are there, supporting us, and making the long journey down. It's fantastic, but, as I say, I'm not sure the players were aware, unless they've looked up and seen it and that gave them extra motivation!”