Manchester United Stars’ Parents Thrilled With ‘Lovely and Welcoming’ Michael Carrick After Ruben Amorim Snubbed Academy Kids

A Change of Mood at Old Trafford as Michael Carrick Replaces Ruben Amorim

There has been a noticeable shift in atmosphere around Manchester United’s Carrington training complex in recent weeks. Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, the appointment of Michael Carrick as caretaker head coach has been met with quiet optimism inside the club – and not just among players and staff. According to reports, Manchester United academy players and their parents are thrilled with Carrick’s arrival, describing him as “lovely and welcoming” after a tense period under Amorim, whose relationship with some of the club’s young talent had become increasingly strained.

For a club that prides itself on its academy heritage, the treatment of youth prospects is always a sensitive subject. United’s history is built on stories of teenagers being trusted, nurtured and eventually elevated to stardom. That is why the contrast between Amorim’s hard-line stance and Carrick’s more approachable style has not gone unnoticed.

While Carrick’s reign is still in its infancy, the early signs suggest a cultural reset – one that has resonated deeply with families who had grown uneasy over the previous regime.

Michael Carrick announces his departure from Manchester United | Manchester United

Ruben Amorim Lays Into Man Utd Youth and Sparks Backlash

Before his dismissal earlier this month, Ruben Amorim did little to hide his frustration with what he described as a growing sense of “entitlement” among Manchester United’s academy players. The Portuguese coach, who arrived with a reputation for discipline and structure, clashed publicly with elements of the youth setup in comments that caused ripples throughout the club.

The tension spilled into the public domain after youngsters Harry Amass and Chido Obi appeared to voice their frustrations on social media, hinting at dissatisfaction with their lack of opportunities. Matters escalated further when the half-brother of Kobbie Mainoo, one of United’s brightest prospects, was seen wearing a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” t-shirt after the midfielder continued to be left out of the first team.

Amorim did not shy away from addressing the situation head-on. Speaking in December, he delivered a pointed assessment of the mindset he felt was creeping into the club.

“There is a feeling of entitlement we have in our club,” Amorim said. “Sometimes, difficult moments is not a bad thing for the kids. We don’t always need accolades in everything. We are not helping.”

He went on to criticise what he saw as a culture where players feel comfortable speaking out against the club.

“Nowadays, they speak and go against the club because they feel entitled. Then, we have legends of the club saying ‘if you don’t play, leave, because everyone is wrong’. No. Let’s stay. Let’s fight. Let’s overcome.”

Perhaps most striking was Amorim’s insistence that no one had come to him directly to air their concerns.

“The door to my office is open. That is the way we can solve things. But nobody is coming to talk to me.”

While some praised Amorim’s tough-love approach, others felt the comments crossed a line – particularly parents who know just how fragile and uncertain a footballer’s journey can be.

Michael Carrick’s Impact Felt Almost Immediately

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When Michael Carrick was named caretaker manager until the end of the season, it felt like a return to familiar ground for many at Old Trafford. A former United midfielder who spent over a decade at the club, Carrick understands the institution from the inside – not just as a player, but also as a coach and now as a parent with a son in the academy system.

Remarkably, Carrick’s influence was visible within days. His first major test came in the form of a 2-0 Premier League victory over Manchester City, a result few saw coming given United’s recent struggles. Beyond the scoreline, there was a renewed sense of energy and togetherness on the pitch.

Lisandro Martinez was quick to highlight Carrick’s role in that transformation.

“One important thing Michael Carrick said was ‘use the energy of the people’,” the Argentine defender explained. “Today I think we did it. When we are together it is impossible to lose at home.”

Martinez went on to describe a noticeable difference in the players’ mentality.

“You feel today a different energy in the eyes of the players. Today the team won, that’s the most important thing for me.”

For academy players watching on, and parents listening closely, those words carried weight.

Carrick’s ‘Lovely and Welcoming’ Reputation Wins Over Families

According to a report by The Sun, Carrick’s arrival has been warmly received by United’s youth setup and their families. In stark contrast to the discomfort caused by Amorim’s public remarks, Carrick is said to have created a more open and reassuring environment.

A source close to the situation described the former midfielder as a familiar and comforting presence around Carrington.

“Carrick has been a regular at the training ground following the progress of his son,” the source said. “He is a lovely welcoming guy who always has time for everyone.”

That accessibility has made a significant impression.

“People respect him and admire him because of his United career. But they also feel like he gets what it means to have a son in the academy.”

For parents, this understanding is crucial. Many were reportedly “appalled” by Amorim’s comments, not because they disagreed with discipline, but because of how publicly the criticism was delivered.

“Anyone in professional football should know how hard it is to make a career in football at any level, let alone at United,” the source added.

Carrick’s empathy, shaped by both his playing career and his role as a parent, appears to have struck exactly the right chord.

A Cultural Reset Rather Than a Tactical Revolution

It is still too early to judge Michael Carrick on results alone. His remit, at least for now, is short-term. But culturally, his influence feels significant. United’s academy has always thrived on trust – the belief that if you work hard and perform, opportunities will come.

Carrick’s presence seems to have restored some of that faith. He may not be promising immediate first-team minutes, but his communication style is reportedly clearer, calmer and more respectful. For young players navigating the most important years of their development, that reassurance can be invaluable.

There is also a sense that Carrick understands the emotional side of the club. He lived through the Sir Alex Ferguson era, witnessed the pressure of expectations, and knows how unforgiving Old Trafford can be. That lived experience matters, especially when dealing with teenagers trying to break through.

What Comes Next for Manchester United Under Carrick

Arsenal v Manchester United – Premier League

The feel-good factor from the City win will be tested almost immediately. United face a daunting trip to the Emirates Stadium this weekend to take on Premier League leaders Arsenal. Carrick is under no illusions about the challenge ahead.

“It won’t be copy and paste,” he said ahead of the game. “I’m never one that likes to say ‘same again’ because it’s never, ever the same again.”

The caretaker boss stressed the need for constant improvement.

“We kept the game in good places last week and credit to the boys for that. But we’ve got to build on it. If we are our best, we feel we’ve got a good chance.”

Whether United can maintain momentum remains to be seen. But regardless of the result, Carrick’s early days have already reshaped the conversation around the club’s youth.

A Familiar Face, A Familiar Philosophy

Manchester United have always been at their best when the pathway from academy to first team feels clear and achievable. In Michael Carrick, many inside the club see a figure who embodies that philosophy.

After a period marked by tension, criticism and fractured relationships, Carrick’s “lovely and welcoming” approach has brought a sense of calm. For academy players and their parents, that change matters just as much as formations and tactics.

Whether Carrick remains beyond the end of the season is a question for another day. For now, he has done something just as important as winning football matches: he has reminded people what Manchester United is supposed to feel like.