Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has expressed his disappointment over Ruben Amorim’s apparent disregard for the club’s youth academy. During his 14-month stint as head coach, Amorim faced criticism for seemingly straying from United’s long-standing tradition of nurturing young talent.

Amorim was notably reluctant to tap into the academy’s pool of talent, even sidelining Kobbie Mainoo from the starting line-up. In contrast, Carrick seems more inclined to trust in the ‘Manchester United DNA’ of the club’s youngsters, having recently attended an Under-21s match.

Carrick’s son is part of the U16 squad, and other parents are hopeful that their children will now have better opportunities under his stewardship, given his deeper understanding of the club. This sentiment is shared by Rooney, whose sons Kai and Klay are also part of United’s youth setup.

The legendary forward has voiced his frustration with Amorim’s approach, while lauding Carrick. The pair were seen together in the directors’ box at Old Trafford, watching United triumph over Derby in the FA Youth Cup last Friday.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Rooney expressed his delight: “It is great to see all the coaches taking a big interest in the academy. In the next few years some of those players might get an opportunity for the first team so it is important they have that interest.

“On Saturday, they were all at the Under-16s game as well before they travelled to London. It is great to see that coming back into the club.

“I have been quite vocal on this. It used to be the norm but it has been missing in the last few years. With my two lads in the academy, I haven’t seen that and it was a bit disappointing. The lift it gives to the players, and the players’ parents, seeing the first team manager there. That is how the club should be run.”

Rooney’s son Kai, just 16 years old, made his Old Trafford debut after coming off the bench in United’s U18s’ 2-1 victory over Derby last week.

The teenage striker started featuring for United’s U18s this season at 15, several months ahead of his birthday in November. His first appearance came as a substitute in their 1-0 triumph against his father’s beloved club, Everton, at Finch Farm back in August.