Michael Carrick is now at the helm of Manchester United amid preparations for the Manchester derby, with one forgotten youngster surprisingly involved in first-team training.
After a week of uncertainty and the race to appoint a new head coach, Michael Carrick is now getting straight to work at Carrington.
After Manchester United confirmed Carrick was the interim head coach, the club legend admitted being eager to get started on the grass with his new squad.
Carrick took training on Wednesday, with the notable faces being the return of both Amad and Bryan Mbeumo after their AFCON journeys concluded.
With the new coaching staff getting to grips with the team, Carrick also had some youngsters involved, with one surprising inclusion.
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Habeeb Ogunneye gets first-team training opportunity under Michael Carrick
After a mixed loan at Newport County, United were reportedly considering recalling Habeeb Ogunneye, and now he’s back at Carrington.
The 20-year-old played 21 times for Newport, scoring once, but his minutes were limited over the past month, which has resulted in the loan being terminated.
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Shea Lacey has become a solidified part of the first-team and was involved in training despite being suspended, while both of the Fletcher twins were also seen in training.
However, journalist Nathan Salt has claimed that there was also a surprise academy talent involved, this being Ogunneye.
Ogunneye was involved for Carrick’s first session, likely stepping in for Noussair Mazraoui as the second right-back.
Salt explains that United are currently weighing up the options for Ogunneye, which could mean another loan for the rest of this season or maybe academy minutes, providing senior depth.
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Manchester United have academy right-back solutions for Carrick this season
Carrick doesn’t have an easy job over the remainder of this season, with plenty of weaknesses in the United team, one of which is right-back.
Diogo Dalot is a concern for United right now, with consistently poor performances, which warrant being dropped the moment Mazraoui is available.
However, should the Moroccan struggle with fitness, Carrick should turn to the academy.
Jaydan Kamason would be a solid option for United to step up and take Dalot’s place if his form continues.
James Overy is another who has earned plenty of praise over the past year and could impress Carrick.
If Carrick uses his Middlesbrough back three in possession, perhaps Jayden Ngwashi would be a strong contender to play as the inverted right-back at some point, given his excellence on the ball.
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