There is enough evidence to suggest that young prospects like JJ Gabriel at Manchester United are in safe hands under Michael Carrick should the 44-year-old remain head coach beyond this season.
Manchester United are always trying to develop the best players from their academy to make the first team. That is why there has been so much investment at the youth level, including a £50 million development of facilities at Carrington in the past year.
Along with that, United need a head coach or manager who will prioritise youth development and keep academy prospects at the forefront of the team’s plans.
Albeit in an interim capacity, Carrick has done that by restoring Kobbie Mainoo’s place in the team. He also handed Tyler Fletcher his first team debut in United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham in the Premier League.
Michael Carrick can help JJ Gabriel like he helped Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers is a renowned attacker in the Premier League nowadays, but before becoming a household name, the England international broke through the Middlesbrough academy and established himself in the first team under Carrick.
United have an exciting young prospect of their own in the academy, and too young to make a Premier League debut this season.
JJ Gabriel is getting a lot of United fans excited at the moment, but Carrick stressed he doesn’t think the youngster is ready for competitive football at the senior level.
That may change next season. Of course, so might the United head coach, but if Carrick remains we can rest knowing talents like Gabriel are in safe hands.
Like Rogers, Gabriel is an attacking player who can play on the left or centrally. Technical ability is their strength and Carrick has proved at Middlesbrough he can get the most out of young players.
Carrick’s relationship with Rogers began at Middlesbrough during the 2023/24 season.
Rogers did enough at Middlesbrough to warrant a £15 million transfer to Aston Villa. Now, he is worth at least triple that amount in the current market.
Only time will tell if Carrick is going to have the same impact on Gabriel. He needs to secure the permanent position as head coach this summer if he wants to work with the talented youngster in the future.
As things stand, Gabriel is the most exciting prospect in United’s academy.
What has Morgan Rogers said about Michael Carrick?
Rogers owes a lot to Carrick, especially after the form he enjoyed under the former United manager at Boro that led to his transfer to Aston Villa.
The Aston Villa star has played under Unai Emery since taking his career to Villa Park.
Rogers scored a brace against United earlier this season, but wasn’t as lucky last time out when the Red Devils won 3-1 at Old Trafford.
In the past, Rogers has credited Carrick with providing the specific emotional support he needed after a difficult few years on loan from Man City.
“Michael Carrick, he was the coach that spoke to me away from football,” Rogers said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
“There was always a line of communication with him which I thought was vital at that time. I still speak to him now.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/yxazJhA