Michael Carrick will be in attendance as Manchester United chase FA Youth Cup success - and Darren Fletcher says that will motivate the young squad.

Carrick has made a point of showing up at various academy matches since stepping in as head coach after Ruben Amorim's departure in January.

To Fletcher, this demonstrates the manager's commitment to nurturing young talent.

Fletcher aims to cap his debut season leading United's Under-18s with a historic 12th FA Youth Cup victory during their trip to Manchester City.

Carrick has voiced frustration over the final being held at Joie Stadium, which seats just 6,000, instead of a bigger ground.

Nevertheless, he plans to attend the same location where United's Under-21s defeated City in the Premier League 2 play-off semi-final on 8 May.

His son Jacey features in the academy setup but has not featured in the Youth Cup campaign.

Fletcher, the ex-Scotland midfielder who arrived at United aged 15, is convinced the lads will draw energy from Carrick being there.

"The players thrive when the first-team boss shows up," he noted.

"It proves he is invested and paying attention. That fires them up.

"It underlines that this club truly values its youth prospects, backing words with actions.

"That's been true across the club's legacy, but witnessing it firsthand makes it real. It's impactful, and the parents appreciate it too."

After Amorim's exit in January, Fletcher handled two senior games on an interim basis and could have joined Carrick's staff.

Instead, he chose to stick with his initial Under-18s assignment, the foundation of his hoped-for coaching pathway.

Fletcher has relished coaching the younger group, impressed by their progress and eagerness to grow.

Gone are the eras of trainees polishing senior boots. Today, they handle tasks to build discipline and unity.

"No boot cleaning now - it's fetching balls, storing gear, arranging meeting room chairs, refilling water bottles," he explained.

"They rotate duties. Even coaches pitch in unloading the bus.

"It's about keeping things organized, not punishment. We set up together and pack away together, emphasizing teamwork."

Fletcher avoids highlighting individuals over the group.

"No one on the team has faced difficulties this season," he assesses.

Still, certain Under-18 players draw extra spotlight in media chats about United's current crop.

JJ Gabriel stands out among them.

The 15-year-old was in line for the Golden Boot before City's Teddie Lamb's late surge of 16 goals in 12 games snatched it away.

Yet Gabriel's all-around displays earned him Premier League Under-18 player of the season honors.

The London-born talent is tipped for involvement in United's summer pre-season and boasts huge potential.

"JJ is an exceptional talent," Fletcher enthused.

"He's a superb young man who brings daily energy to train, compete, and handle the ball. He's hungry to evolve and absorbs feedback superbly. We share a strong bond.

"Remember, he's still young and thrives in a solid team where teammates support him.

"Goals put him in the headlines, naturally. He has a stellar path ahead, and coaching him has been a joy.

"His progression will be handled by those senior to me. Our goal is to prepare him to excel at the next level."

A year back, forward Chido Obi was United's hottest youth prospect after joining Amorim's first team.

Following eight senior outings last term, he's only reached the bench once this season, unused against Wolves at home in December.

Fletcher rejects any notion of backsliding.

He points to Obi playing in a February Under-18s win at City - netting in a 3-1 triumph Fletcher calls their peak display - as proof of the 18-year-old Denmark youth cap's drive.

"A Under-21 fixture fell through the prior day, and Chido texted me requesting a spot," Fletcher recalled.

"It was brilliant that he wanted to play, viewing Under-18s as no demotion. That maturity shines through.

"We see his physique and overlook his age.

"The key is adapting Under-18 and Under-21 skills to senior football. Every prospect must bridge that gap.

"Senior play demands more pace, physicality, and mental sharpness - better positioning, timing, choices, and defensive duties.

"All emerging talents confront this and must prove readiness for the leap."