Manchester United fans shouldn't need any extra incentive to support interim manager Michael Carrick.
As a cultured midfielder who played 464 games for the club and earned every piece of silverware during his 12-year career at Old Trafford, the former England international holds a cherished place in supporters' hearts.
This sentiment was only strengthened during Carrick's first week as United's interim boss, where the 44-year-old orchestrated a 2-0 derby triumph over Manchester City, showcasing a refreshing departure from the tactics of former head coach Ruben Amorim.
Michael Carrick Shows Why He Will Be Different from Predecessor Ruben Amorim
Old Trafford's hierarchy will hope that Carrick can continue to unite the fanbase after the tumultuous 14-month reign of Amorim, who was dismissed as head coach this month.
The Portuguese's tenure will be remembered for tactical inflexibility, public critiques of the club's hierarchy, and the worst Premier League finish in the club's history, along with a noticeable lack of support for the academy.
This issue grew when Amorim publicly criticized academy players Chido Obi and Harry Amass regarding his decisions on using young talent, which led to backlash from the players themselves on social media.
The 40-year-old reportedly didn't watch a single complete academy match during his time at Old Trafford, straining his relationship with the youth setup, but Carrick is clearly adopting a different approach.
He attended United Under-21s' 3-2 victory over Sporting Lisbon in the Premier League International Cup on Tuesday evening, accompanied by assistants Jonathan Woodgate, Steve Holland, and Travis Binnion.
While it may not be unusual for a first-team manager to spectate youth games, Carrick's attendance was appreciated by both players and staff following a difficult time under Amorim's leadership.
His commitment to youth was exemplified when he restored academy product Kobbie Mainoo to the starting lineup for the win over City.
Mainoo, only 20, started the Euro 2024 final for England but had struggled for game time under Amorim, with Saturday’s match marking his first Premier League start this season.
The midfielder was linked with an exit from Old Trafford but is now expected to remain, thanks to Carrick's vote of confidence.
He won't be the only United youth prospect feeling optimistic about future first-team opportunities under Carrick, especially if the new boss continues to make appearances at academy matches.
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