Carrick: Youth Did Us Proud

Louis van Gaal may have just brought in four new summer signings, but Michael Carrick admits it’s great to see the spread of burgeoning youth players within the squad.

Seven of the 11 Reds who finished the International Champions Cup win over Barcelona at Levi’s Stadium have played for United's youth teams, including second-half scorers Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj.

Van Gaal has always been keen to focus on giving youth a chance at every club he has managed and United is no exception. Given the club’s rich history of developing young talent, Carrick believes the current squad has the perfect blend of youthful exuberance and experienced world stars.

“Developing young players is what this club is about and it’s what it should be about,” the vice-captain told ManUtd.com. “Of course we want the best players from around the world because we want to be the best team, but you want the balance of bringing players through too. We’ve got a great record of doing that over the years and we’re doing that again, which is great to see.”

Carrick played for 60 minutes in the 3-1 triumph over Barca, the Reds’ third game of Tour 2015, presented by Aon, and the England international was pleased by another successful workout.

“It was a decent performance," he explained. "They’ve obviously got some great players and they’re tough to play against so it’s always nice to win. It’s a good habit to get into.

“We’ve got a strong squad with competitions in all positions. I thought the lads who came on in the last half an hour did very well. It’s not easy to come on like that and get into the game but they did ever so well so we’re very satisfied.

“There are always things you can improve on during these pre-season games. Our fitness is coming on, it was a third half of football really for me and there is still a couple of weeks until the Tottenham game which is the most important game to be ready for.

"I think everyone is looking okay and getting up to speed, and we’re taking something from each of these pre-season games which is important.”