Carrick presence inspiring for Man Utd kids, says Fletcher

Manchester United beat Crystal Palace in the FA Youth Cup semi-final at Old Trafford to set up a meeting with their neighbours

Michael Carrick will be watching on as Manchester United try to win the FA Youth Cup - and that will only inspire them, says Darren Fletcher.

Carrick has attended several academy games since replacing Ruben Amorim as head coach in January.

As far as Fletcher is concerned, that is proof that the boss cares about youth development.

Fletcher is hoping to end his first season as United's Under-18 coach by guiding them to a record 12th FA Youth Cup triumph when they visit Manchester City.

Carrick has spoken of his disappointment that Thursday's final will be staged at Joie Stadium, which holds 6,000 fans, rather than a larger venue.

But he will be there, watching at the same venue he also saw United's Under-21 team beat City in their Premier League 2 play-off semi-final on 8 May.

His son Jacey is part of the academy, but has not been involved in the Youth Cup run.

Former Scotland midfielder Fletcher - who himself joined United as a 15-year-old - knows the players will be lifted by Carrick's presence.

"All the players love it when the first-team manager is there," he said.

"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."

Having taken over the senior side for two games on an interim basis immediately after Amorim's dismissal in January, Fletcher had the option of being part of Carrick's coaching team.

He preferred to return to the role he was given at the start of the season, the first step on what he hopes will be a career in management.

Fletcher says he has enjoyed working with United's younger players and has been thrilled at their development and willingness to learn.

The days of apprentices cleaning the boots of senior players are long gone. But they still get jobs to instil discipline and a team ethos.

"It's not cleaning boots, it's things like bringing out the balls, or bringing the equipment back in," he said. "Putting the meeting room chairs in the right place, filling up water bottles.

"They are all on a rota. Everyone brings something off the bus, even the coaches.

"It's not to punish them, it's to make sure everything is tidy. We bring the stuff out and we put it away, to show that we're all in it together."

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Fletcher is careful not to single out one player at the expense of others.

"I don't have any players who've struggled this year," is his way of looking at it.

However, in any media discussion about United's current Under-18 squad, there are some players who receive more scrutiny and interest than others.