Manchester United assistant Michael Carrick has explained why he's enjoying watching the club's current crop of youngsters — as a fan more than a coach.
Carrick, who is part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's backroom staff, believes United are in the perfect position at the moment as the coaches look to develop an exciting bunch of young stars.
And Carrick admitted he couldn't help but smile as Marcus Rashford and Andreas Pereira — two players who have come through the Old Trafford academy — were among the goal-scorers and Brandon Williams starred.
"It was nice to see," said Carrick, speaking to the Standard at the premiere of the new Busby documentary.
"I think as a fan – never mind as a coach or part of the staff – to see the younger lads coming in with a freedom and a smile and the excitement of attacking football and feel the energy in the ground – I just enjoyed sitting back and watching it.
"It's part of the history and traditions of this club. It lives on."
"It's kind of the perfect position at the moment for the group that we've got."
Carrick then spoke about how he's explaining to the young players the responsibility that comes with playing for United. The former midfielder and United skipper, 38, made 316 league appearances for the club in a 12-year spell after being signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, before joining the coaching staff last year.
"It's to understand what it takes, the ups and downs that life, not just football, can bring that you've got to overcome," he added.
"To be able to get to the top and stay at the top are different things. The sacrifices you've got to make.
"As a player myself I was hugely privileged and fully aware of the position I was in to be able to represent this club.
"There is a responsibility that comes with playing for this club that probably doesn't come with other clubs. It's got that special nature about it.
"I was fully aware of it and I'm sure the boys now are. Keep playing like that with a smile on your faces and that represents the club the best way you can."