Michael Carrick will inspire Manchester United in FA Youth Cup final against City, says Darren Fletcher

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Michael Carrick will attend Thursday's FA Youth Cup final and that will inspire Manchester United's youngsters against Manchester City, according to Darren Fletcher.

'It's out of my hands' - Carrick says he is calm about Manchester United future

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United will be taking on local rivals City in the final at Joie Stadium, with the game live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

Carrick has been a regular presence at academy games since becoming United interim head coach in January.

And United's Under-18 coach Fletcher is delighted Carrick will be there for the big match this week.

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"All the players love it when the first team manager is there," Fletcher 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."

Carrick praises 'spirit and togetherness' of Man Utd squad

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Fletcher was in charge of the senior side for two games in January following the departure of Ruben Amorim.

The Scot had the option of being part of Carrick's coaching team but decided to return to the academy role he was given at the start of the season.

Forward JJ Gabriel, 15, is seen as one of the brightest prospects in the new crop and Fletcher is full of praise for him.

"JJ's an amazing talent," said Fletcher. "He is a fantastic kid. He brings an enthusiasm to the pitch every day to learn, to want to play, to be on the ball.

"He's desperate to do better, to improve and to learn. He takes constructive criticism well and I've got a great relationship with him.

"I do think we need to remember he is a kid and also he's been part of a really good team, and the players have helped him as well.

"But JJ has scored the goals and goals always get the limelight. He has a major future and is somebody I've enjoyed working with immensely.

"His next steps are something people above me will decide. We want him to go up there and thrive, so we need to get him in the position to do that."

Carrick, who was part of the West Ham team that won the FA Youth Cup in 1999, has voiced his disappointment that Thursday's game is not being played at a bigger stadium.

The Joie Stadium has a capacity of only 6,000 and Carrick said: "I'm disappointed. The Youth Cup final always seems to have been a thing where you play at the main stadium.

"It's such a showcase event for players of that age group. I've had some amazing memories in that competition of playing with your close mates.

"It's a shame it hasn't worked out for whatever reason. It's a fantastic game, a great opportunity and I'm looking forward to going and supporting the boys."

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