Wayne Rooney has admitted his frustration with Ruben Amorim's apparent disregard for the Manchester United academy. Much was debated about the contrast between Amorim and United's tradition of nurturing young talent throughout his 14-month spell as head coach, with detractors arguing he failed to grasp the club's heritage.

Since the Portuguese coach was dismissed and club legend Michael Carrick took over as interim boss until the summer, many have been thrilled by his enthusiasm for the club's youth set-up, mirroring Sir Alex Ferguson's approach.

Amorim seldom looked to homegrown stars, with Kobbie Mainoo among the players he sidelined. In contrast, Carrick already seems willing to depend on youngsters with 'club DNA', having watched the under-21s team last week.

Carrick's own son plays for the under-16s and other young players' families feel their offspring will now have better opportunities, given the former midfielder's greater insight. This includes Carrick's ex-team-mate Rooney, whose sons Kai and Klay are also in United's youth ranks.

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The iconic forward has now revealed his exasperation with Amorim's methods while lauding Carrick, who joined Rooney in the directors' box at Old Trafford as they witnessed United defeat Derby in the FA Youth Cup on Friday.

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Rooney said on his BBC podcast: "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."

Kai came off the bench as United's under-18s defeated Derby 2-1 on Friday in his first playing appearance at Old Trafford. The 16-year-old graduated to the under-18s earlier this season.

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