Michael Carrick's Candid Admission on Morgan Rogers' Aston Villa Journey
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has made a frank admission about former Middlesbrough player Morgan Rogers ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash at Old Trafford. Carrick, who managed Rogers during their time together at Middlesbrough, revealed he was initially unsure how the attacker would fare after his £8 million transfer to Aston Villa in January 2025.
From Riverside Doubts to Villa Park Stardom
Carrick was in charge at Middlesbrough when Villa secured Rogers' signature after just half a season at the Riverside Stadium. "I wasn't really sure how it was going to go," Carrick confessed. "It was a big step for him, he hadn't played for an awful long time at Middlesbrough so I felt he could have done with a little bit more."
However, Unai Emery saw potential in the 23-year-old that hadn't been fully realized during Rogers' earlier stint at Manchester City. Under the Spanish manager's guidance, Rogers has blossomed into one of the Premier League's most exciting talents.
Remarkable Statistical Transformation
Since joining Aston Villa, Rogers has compiled an impressive record of 51 goal involvements in 111 appearances, including 27 goals. After a challenging start to the current season, he has become an indispensable part of Villa's lineup, starting every Premier League match and six of their nine Europa League fixtures.
His performances have been so compelling that he's now putting pressure on Jude Bellingham for a regular spot in Thomas Tuchel's England squad, establishing himself as one of the most highly rated players in English football.
Carrick's Mixed Emotions Ahead of Reunion
"First of all, it is fantastic for him to see Morgan going on to do so well and for a good period of time," Carrick said, acknowledging Rogers' development. "As soon as he has gone to Aston Villa, he took huge steps and became a major, major part of their team and part of the England team so that is how well he has done."
The United coach recalled Rogers' attributes that were evident even during their Middlesbrough days: "You could always see what he was possibly going to be capable of and the potential in terms of his attributes, the way he carries the ball, he can play off his left foot, play off his right foot, create and score goals and really good athletically."
Carrick admitted, however, that facing his former player presents different emotions: "To see him go on and have such an impact would be probably more than I would have expected or probably more than Morgan himself would have expected. It is great to see though. I enjoy seeing him do so well. To come up against him is a different story."
Sancho Situation Addressed
Carrick also commented on Jadon Sancho, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United but won't be eligible to face his parent club. The winger hasn't featured for United since August 2024.
"You can never be surprised with anything in football," Carrick remarked. "It's one of those things, you come to a club sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't quite work – that's natural it happens at every club."
He acknowledged Sancho's abilities: "Jadon's got talent, that's why he came to the club to start with and he has had some really good moments. For whatever reason – I don't know I have not been here for a period of time – he has then found himself at Aston Villa."
Carrick noted Sancho's current form: "He is playing a lot this season so credit to him for that. He is having an impact and playing a lot of games, what happens next and moving forward we will just have to wait and see."
The stage is now set for an intriguing reunion at Old Trafford, where Carrick's Manchester United will attempt to contain the player whose development he once questioned but now fully admires.
