Former Manchester United prospect James Overy has detailed the contrasting coaching philosophies of Michael Carrick and Ruben Amorim, having worked under both before leaving Old Trafford. The 18-year-old right-back spent two years in United's academy after joining in 2024 before departing for Sydney FC this summer.
Two Completely Different Managers
Overy, who is from Perth, described the differences in their training sessions during an interview with Suited and Booted TV. "An Amorim session consisted of more running, because obviously we played with the wing-backs," he said. "We played with the full-backs who get up and down, which just suits me so well. And I think that's why he really took an interest in me."
He added: "I was with them a lot more when Amorim was there, because his sessions were just transitional running and shots, whereas Carrick was a bit more like, 'Let's keep the ball, one or two-touch, five ways to break them down', they were two completely different managers."
Overy noted that Amorim placed greater emphasis on the physical side, while Carrick focused more on tactical and technical aspects. As a right-back, he felt more suited to Amorim's 3-4-3 system, under which his talent was first spotted in the under-18s setup.
Progress at United and Move to Sydney FC
In his second and final season at United, Overy took on a more prominent role in the under-18s squad. He was also elevated to the under-21s for several Premier League 2 appearances, as well as facing Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the Premier League International Cup. The teenager came on as a substitute in last season's FA Youth Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
He has now returned to Australia to make his name in the A-League, having made his debut against Western Sydney Wanderers this past weekend.
Pressure on Both Managers
Carrick, who took over at United amid initial excitement, is now under pressure after a run of six games without a win, following a draw at Leeds. Amorim, meanwhile, is in a precarious position at AC Milan since taking over in the summer, with the Rossoneri currently fourth in Serie A and earning positive reviews for their style of play, though results have not been consistent.
After a summer transfer window focused largely on midfield recruitment, Carrick is building with largely the same squad from last season. Overy, despite his dismissal, found positives in Amorim's methods, leaving some to question whether United would have been better off backing the Portuguese coach.
