Manchester United Academy Families Welcome Carrick Appointment After Amorim Departure
Parents of Manchester United's academy players have reportedly expressed significant relief following the departure of former manager Ruben Amorim, with the interim appointment of club legend Michael Carrick being met with widespread approval and optimism.
Amorim's Troubled Relationship with United's Youth System
During his tenure at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim developed a reputation for being critical of the club's youth setup while making minimal use of emerging academy talent. Despite Manchester United's well-documented struggles on the pitch under his leadership, the Portuguese manager rarely turned to the club's famed youth system to bolster his squad.
His sporadic utilisation of promising midfielder Kobbie Mainoo became a particular concern for observers. Mainoo, who had previously flourished under previous manager Erik ten Hag, saw his playing time dramatically reduced, leading to speculation about potential loan moves away from the club.
The situation reached a critical point in December when Amorim publicly criticised United's young stars, including striker Chido Obi and defender Harry Amass. In comments that reportedly angered academy families, Amorim stated: "We as a club sometimes forget who we are and that's the feeling that I have. I understand everything is the environment, is the moment of the players, the kids they feel entitled."
Carrick's Arrival Brings Renewed Hope
The appointment of Michael Carrick as interim manager until the season's end has been warmly received by those connected to Manchester United's academy system. Carrick's deep understanding of the club's traditions and values, particularly the historical emphasis on youth development, has generated considerable optimism.
A source close to the academy told The Sun: "Carrick has been a regular at the training ground following the progress of his son. He is a lovely welcoming guy who always has time for everyone. People respect him and admire him because of his United career, but they also feel like he gets what it means to have a son in the academy."
The source added that parents were "appalled by Amorim's comments", noting: "Anyone in professional football should know how hard it is to make a career in football at any level, let alone at United."
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Manchester United boasts one of football's most celebrated youth development traditions, with an extraordinary record of including at least one academy graduate in every matchday squad since 1937—a run spanning more than 4,300 consecutive games.
Carrick's personal connection to the academy—his son currently plays for the Under-16s—is seen as particularly significant. Parents believe this firsthand experience will give him greater insight into the challenges and aspirations of young players navigating the pathway to first-team football.
On Tuesday, Carrick and his coaching staff were observed watching United's under-21s match against Sporting Lisbon, further signalling his commitment to youth development. Darren Fletcher, who managed United for two games as caretaker following Amorim's dismissal, is also highly regarded by academy families for his engagement with youth players.
The source explained: "He is respected and well regarded by the kids and the parents. It's great for a parent to hear Darren Fletcher shouting the name of their son during a game because you know he knows his talents and areas of weakness."
With promising talents like JJ Gabriel and Kai Rooney progressing through the ranks—the former earning particularly high praise—the academy community now looks toward Carrick's interim period with renewed hope that United's legendary youth pathway will be properly utilised and celebrated once more.
