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The Manchester United manager returns home tonight to the scene of his full Premier League debut and the place where he first fell in love with the game

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The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features. You are now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful Want to add more newsletters? Five times a week Four Four Two Daily Fantastic football content straight to your inbox! From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more. Once a week . .. And it’s LIVE! Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off! Join the club Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards. Michael Carrick travelled home to Newcastle on 3 January, 2000, but it was a business trip, not pleasure. The then 18-year-old was back with the West Ham United first team after loans with Swindon Town and Birmingham City, and Harry Redknapp pulled him to say, “You’re playing tomorrow. ” It would be his full Premier League debut, against the club he supported as a boy, at the stadium he first watched professional football in.

In his 2018 autobiography, he admits being unable to sleep the night before, letting his mind wander and dream about scoring the winner. Four Four Two was at the game 26 years ago and spoke to Carrick about it in 2017 for BBC Match of the Day magazine ahead of the legendary midfielder’s Manchester United testimonial.

“It’s weird how it worked, as that was my full Premier League debut. I had played a couple games off the bench for West Ham, but that was my first start. "I remember being absolutely exhausted after half an hour, and at half-time it felt like I had played the full game. Obviously, mentally, the preparation just took a lot of energy and I was shattered, I managed to play the whole game, and we got a 2-2 draw which was a good result for West Ham at the time. "When I was a kid, I was supporting Newcastle. I dreamt one day I would do [play for Newcastle United], but I count myself very fortunate to have played for Man United for so long. It’s just one of those things where you can’t have everything. ”During his full debut, Carrick also performed an act FFT have failed to ever see happen at St. James Park in 33 years watching games there. “I booted the ball over the stand – it was a hell of a clearance! I vaguely remember it. "It was down towards the Gallowgate End, we were defending, and I just cleared it, and it made its way out, over the stand. I’m not sure if it’s something to be proud of really! ” In the same interview, Carrick, whose Manchester United playing contract was coming to an end at the time, confirmed he was doing his coaching badges. “Who knows what will happen in the future? It depends on what kind of opportunities you get, but I’d love to be manager of England or Man United one day, might as well aim for the top! ” Weird how things work out. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Get VIP Manchester United tickets HERE with Seat Unique! Manchester United's hospitality offers comfortable, padded seating in the North West Quadrant. The package includes a concourse meal deal (hot food, drink, and snack) and the official matchday programme. Guests also receive a 10 per cent Megastore discount and non-matchday Museum entry, providing a great value, family-friendly match experience for home fans. A former goalkeeper, Ketch joined Four Four Two as Deputy Editor in 2022 having worked across Chronicle Live, Leeds Live, Hull Daily Mail, Yorkshire Live, Teesside Gazette and the Huddersfield Examiner as a Northern Football Editor. Prior to that he was the Senior Writer at BBC Match of the Day magazine. He has interviewed the likes of Harry Kane, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gareth Southgate and attended two World Cup finals and two Champions League finals. He has been a Newcastle United season ticket holder since 2000 and has a deep knowledge on the history and culture of football shirts. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

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