One of Manchester United's youngsters has impressed Michael Carrick with his performance in the opening pre-season encounter against Wrexham.
Manchester United opened their pre-season campaign against Wrexham on Saturday afternoon in Helsinki, Finland.
Michael Carrick's side lost 1-0, with the goal conceded during the first 45 minutes, when most of the starting lineup were regular first-team players.
A miscommunication between Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw saw Sam Smith net the only goal of the game at the back post.
During the second half, United fielded a much younger XI, including the likes of Dan Gore, Shea Lacey and Ethan Wheatley.
With Leny Yoro at right-back during the first half, young Jacob Devaney was forced into central defence for the second 45'. The natural midfielder has played there before, but not since the beginning of last season for the Under-21s side.
Devaney impresses Carrick vs Wrexham
Jacob Devaney spent the second half of last season on loan at St. Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. He impressed from the outset, commanding the midfield against established senior footballers.
Against Wrexham, Devaney played alongside Daniel Armer in central defence. While Phil Parkinson's side was not as strong as the first half team, it was still a competitive Championship side.
"I was really pleased with the second-half team. I thought they controlled the game really well against a team that is not easy to play against," Michael Carrick told MUTV after the game.
"They make you work for it. In general, the boys took responsibility and showed their quality. Again, that final bit of trying to break down a lot of bodies in front of the ball, at this stage, it’s not easy to find that sharpness and that extra little bit of creation.
"But that will come. I was really pleased with the young players [in the] second half and they can really be proud of themselves."
Carrick continued to say: "They can play long into Kieffer Moore and JD [Jacob Devaney] playing centre-half, it’s not natural to him. He’s played a little bit there but not a lot, I thought he did ever so well.
"He had a really successful few months up in Scotland. It was good to see him take that next step. The confidence and assurance in his game, even though he was playing a slightly different position. He was vocal, he was commanding. I liked a lot of what he did today."
Tyler Fletcher another to be praised
Tyler Fletcher captained Manchester United in the second half against Wrexham. Jack Fletcher, his twin brother, started alongside new signing Andrey Santos and Mason Mount.
T. Fletcher marshalled the midfield in the second half and was another to impress Michael Carrick.
"He’s had an eventful three or four months, Tyler. He didn’t want long off after the World Cup; he wanted to get back into it. He took that responsibility and led the team [in the] second half really well."
Fletcher was entitled to more of a summer break than he has had – due to his World Cup campaign with Scotland – but chose to return to Carrington early. That is likely to stand him in good stead with Michael Carrick.
Manchester United face Rosenborg in their next pre-season friendly on Friday 24 July in Norway.
