Manchester United fielded a youth-heavy side in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne Sport at Carrington on Friday. The Manchester Evening News reports that Jacey Carrick, son of manager Michael Carrick, was among the academy players involved.
Several senior players were away on international duty. That left Manchester United short of numbers, so academy prospects were called up to fill the gaps. Carlos Baleba also got some minutes alongside Mathijs de Ligt, who both came back from injuries.
United play Laussane ahead of Tottenham clash
According to the Manchester Evening News, Friday’s match was played at Carrington against Lausanne. The club is owned by Ineos, the group that also holds a controlling stake at Old Trafford. The fixture was held behind closed doors with a focus on treating it as low-key fitness work for available players during the international break.
Several senior squad members were unavailable because they were still on international duty during the break. The reshuffle went well beyond this one fixture. Our international-break injury update covers the fuller picture of United’s absentees this week.
Who is Jacey Carrick?
Jacey Carrick signed scholarship terms with United over the summer. He plays as a defensive midfielder, just like his father. The 16-year-old has made steady progress through the academy. He played for the Under-16s last season before stepping up to Darren Fletcher’s Under-18s this campaign.
Carrington is United’s first-team training base. Closed-door fixtures like this one are usually the only chance academy players get to train there alongside senior staff during the season. The Jacey Carrick Lausanne story fits a familiar pattern during international breaks. Academy prospects get a rare look at senior training while the regulars are away with their countries.
Michael Carrick has stayed close to his son’s development. Michael Carrick previously attended Jacey’s scholarship signing alongside his wife, Lisa.
Michael Carrick was also pitchside for the Under-18s’ match against Manchester City in February. He went to support that age group. He also kept an eye on Jacey, who was playing on the adjacent pitch.
What is next for Jacey Carrick beyond Lausanne friendly
United have not indicated when, or whether, they will confirm further details from Carrington. Jacey Carrick continues his season with Fletcher’s Under-18s. Nothing in the latest Manchester United news points to an imminent step up to senior involvement.
United’s academy typically produces fixtures like this during each international window. These give teenage prospects exposure alongside senior staff, without any guarantee of what follows. For the latest on United’s other absentees this week, see our Dorgu injury update.
