Carrick: Youth Did Us Proud Again

Michael Carrick has paid tribute to Marcus Rashford, Guillermo Varela and Tim Fosu-Mensah for their performances in Manchester United’s superb 3-2 win over Arsenal on Sunday.

Rashford scored twice on his senior debut during last Thursday’s Europa League victory over FC Midtjylland and the 18-year-old Academy graduate followed that up by netting another sensational double against the Gunners at Old Trafford, capping a remarkable week that will live long in his memory.

Meanwhile, Varela registered his seventh appearance of the season on Sunday and the Uruguayan right-back produced an impressive performance against the quality of Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, despite earning an early yellow card that forced him to be extremely careful for the remainder of the game.

Marcos Rojo started at left-back but he was unfortunately forced off with an injury shortly after half-time, although that did allow Fosu-Mensah to make his senior debut during a memorable victory.

Speaking to MUTV after the final whistle, Carrick was asked what the performance and result said about United. “It says a lot about the spirit and says a lot about the lads who have stepped in, certainly the younger boys,” the 34-year-old vice-captain replied.

“Obviously Marcus is going to get the headlines but I thought Guilly was terrific at right-back and especially after getting a yellow card against somebody like Sanchez. He was my wing-man and my support just outside of me! I thought Timmy did well when he came on - to come on in a game like that at left-back which is not really his position.

"There are so many positives to take from it. I think there was a real togetherness in the squad and I think the fans responded to that. Seeing somebody like Marcus doing what he has done this week has given everybody a huge boost, so it is great to see everybody so happy.”

On the topic of Rashford and his second brace in a week, Carrick was quick to heap praise on the youngster and revealed his form has provided the rest of the squad with a timely morale boost.

“I have seen some debuts but none quite like that,” said the long-serving midfielder. “It is an unbelievable start for him. He has just got to keep his head down and keep going. There is going to be a lot of attention on him now, people are going to be looking at him because he has thrown himself straight into the spotlight – which is great to see. He is a level-headed guy and I am sure he will deal with it well.

“For all of us, just to see what it means to him and the other new boys who are new to the team, after working hard for so long and for so many years, is great and everybody responds to that.

"We stick together and look after them, and the fans certainly did their bit. I thought they were brilliant, so all in all it was a great day for us."