Michael Carrick and several first-team stars showed their support for Man United’s youngsters in their FA Youth Cup final against arch-rivals Man City.
The two teams were facing off on Thursday night in the highly prestigious match, with the clash taking place at Man City’s academy stadium.
Several talents were on display, including wonderkid JJ Gabriel and Chido Obi for United, who are managed by Darren Fletcher. Obi, who was previously of Arsenal, made eight appearances for United’s first team last year.
For City, Ryan McAidoo, who has played twice for the senior team, started the game, as did Reigan Heskey, son of former England striker Emile.
And they were cheered on by several famous faces, with City boss Pep Guardiola, former academy star Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo seen watching on.
In the red corner, club captain Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount joined Carrick in the stands.
Michael Carrick and several first-team stars including Bruno Fernandes showed their support for Man United’s youngsters in their FA Youth Cup final against arch-rivals Man City
City boss Pep Guardiola was also watching on for the crunch encounter on Thursday evening
Carrick’s assistant coach Steve Holland, United CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Jason Wilcox and coaches Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate were also in attendance.
The United group were sitting in the stands, whereas Guardiola appeared to have a vantage point from a private area higher up.
Carrick has been a regular presence at United academy games since he replaced Amorim in January.
The Portuguese coach was often criticised for not doing similar and Fletcher recently highlighted how much of a boost the presence of his former midfield colleague gives his side.
‘All the players love it when the first-team manager is there,’ he said earlier this week. ‘It shows he cares and he’s got eyes on it. It inspires them.
‘It definitely shows them this is a club that thinks about young players and doesn’t just speak about it.
‘That’s throughout the history of the club, but when you see it in action it brings it to life really. It’s powerful and the parents like it.’
The build-up to the match had been shrouded in controversy, with fan groups and United hitting out at the decision to stage the game at City’s academy stadium, rather than the Etihad or Old Trafford.
United had offered to host the match at Old Trafford – the FA also recommended this as an option – but City did not want to lose home advantage and rejected all requests, leading to a ferocious response.
‘The news that the FA Youth Cup Final, a great fixture which has heralded so many superstars of the future, is to be played in a stadium of just 7,000 people is a disgrace,’ a statement from the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) and representatives on the Fans’ Forum read.
‘Last time United were in the final we had 67,000 fans in Old Trafford so allowing this massive game to be played in front of such a paltry few fans is letting down supporters and denying these young footballers the biggest night of their careers so far.
‘The FA needs to step in and ensure the game can be played at either the Etihad or Old Trafford. Time to put fans first for once.’
Steve Holland, Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox, Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate were also watching on at City’s academy stadium
Joe O’Cearuill, father of JJ Gabriel, also hit out at the decision on social media as he posted: ‘JJ went to the final last time they won at Old Trafford when he was 10 or 11 years old. He said to me daddy I want to play in a final like this with a huge crowd it’s so much fun. Fast forward 5 years he’s u15 got to final and it’s played at youth stadium – robbery of kids dreams.’
Carrick added to those with a dissenting view last week when he added: ‘I’m disappointed. The Youth Cup final always seems to have been a thing where you play at the main stadium. It’s such a showcase event for players of that age group.
‘I’ve had some amazing memories in that competition of playing with your close mates.
‘It’s a shame it hasn’t worked out for whatever reason. It’s a fantastic game, a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to going and supporting the boys.’
