Jacob Devaney shines in unfamiliar role as Carrick praises Manchester United youngsters in pre-season tests
Despite Manchester United’s close defeat to Wrexham in their pre-season opener, head coach Michael Carrick gave a glowing vote of his young talents – highlighting the excellent performances of Jacob Devaney, who thrived in a makeshift defensive position.
Carrick deployed two completely different line-ups in the friendly clash, with the senior players featuring in the opening 45 minutes before a bold second-half switch to an all-academy side. The tactical experiment produced interesting results, with Carrick choosing the latter group for their composure and maturity against a physically dominant Wrexham outfit.
Carrick said in his post-match interview with MUTV, “I was really happy with the team in the second half. I thought they controlled the game really well against a team that is not easy to play against.” “They make you work for it. In general, the boys took responsibility and showed their quality. Again, that last effort of trying to break down a lot of bodies in front of the ball, at this level, it’s not easy to find that sharpness and that extra creation. But that will come. I was really pleased with the young players (in the second half) and they can be really proud of themselves.”
At the center of the story of the second half was 19-year-old Jacob Devaney, who returned to United after making a splash with St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. Traditionally a combative defensive midfielder, Devenney was placed in the center of defense to counter Wrexham’s powerful striker Kiefer Moore. The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international passed the test with flying colors, displaying tenacity and tactical intelligence well beyond his years.
Carrick commented, “He can play long periods of time at centre-half with Kiefer Moore and JD (Jacob Devaney), it’s not natural for him. He’s played there a bit, but not too much, I thought he’s ever played that well.” “He’s had a really successful few months in Scotland. It was good to see him take the next step. There was confidence and assurance in his game, even though he was playing in a slightly different position. He was vocal, he was commanding. I really liked what he did today.”
Tyler Fletcher, another academy product, also drew praise after captaining the side during the second half. Fresh from his World Cup adventure, the Scotland international displayed leadership and composure in a new role, impressing Carrick with his determination to quickly return to club duties.
The United boss said, “It’s been an eventful three or four months for him, Tyler. He didn’t want a long break after the World Cup, he wanted to get back into it. He took that responsibility and led the team well in the second half.”
Carrick’s strong support for his youth team signals a potentially exciting change of pace for Manchester United, as emerging talents like Devaney and Fletcher take the opportunity to stake a claim for regular first-team involvement in the coming months.
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