‘Fantastic talent’: Michael Carrick impressed by Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff

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Former England midfielder Michael Carrick believes the future is bright for Newcastle United starlet Sean Longstaff, The Chronicle reports.

Carrick, who was a boyhood Newcastle fan, took part in a Q & A session at the Wallsend Boys Club in his hometown. He was asked about Longstaff, given the comparisons between the two, and he was full of praise.

However, Carrick added that comparisons were unfair at this stage. He wants Longstaff to adapt his own style and make his name on his own without having to live up to being the ‘next Michael Carrick’.

Carrick on Longstaff

Answering a question at the Q & A, Carrick said (via The Chronicle): “I don’t like comparisons to be honest. It’s not fair on Sean if anything. He is carving his own career out for himself and has got his own traits and strengths.

“He is obviously a fantastic talent and doing well at the moment. He’s still very young. In terms of Premier League games he hasn’t played an awful lot of games but the future is obviously bright for him.”

Longstaff linked with Man United

Carrick recently retired after more than 10 years at Manchester United. Prior to that, he played for West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur. But he has not forgotten his roots. The Wallsend-born midfielder played for the Wallsend Boys Club before West Ham poached him.

In line with the narrative of Longstaff following Carrick’s path, Man United have been interested in the Geordie midfielder. The Red Devils reportedly rate the 21-year-old at £40m (The Daily Star). Longstaff excelled against Man United to justify those transfer links while his brother Matty netted the winner on his Premier League debut.

TBR’s view

Given Longstaff’s style of play, the local link and the Man United rumours, it is clear to see why he has been compared to Carrick. But he needs to put his head down and get to the top of his game without the pressure of this comparison.

Longstaff was fantastic for Newcastle last season and his performance against Man United showed that he can still achieve those levels. If he adds consistency to his game, he can become a key player for his boyhood club.