Man Utd Legend Jaap Stam Coaches Hong Kong Youth at Elite Exchange Program, Backs Carrick
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The 2026 Jockey Club Youth Football Elite Hui kicked off its week-long program on August 10, bringing Manchester United U16 to Hong Kong for a series of matches and training sessions. The highlight came on August 12 when Manchester United legend Jaap Stam joined the joint training session at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre, personally mentoring young footballers alongside their Hong Kong counterparts. The Dutch defender, who won the treble with United in 1999, also shared his thoughts on the club's current direction under Michael Carrick, whom he endorsed as the right man for the managerial role .
Key Points
- The Jockey Club Youth Football Elite Hui runs from August 10-17, featuring Manchester United U16 against Kitchee U18 and Hong Kong U16 at Mong Kok Stadium .
- Jaap Stam conducted a joint training session with Hong Kong U16 players at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre on August 12, providing hands-on coaching and encouragement .
- Stam, who previously visited Hong Kong in 1999 for a friendly against South China, expressed his enthusiasm for working with young players and comparing standards between the two regions .
- The former centre-back endorsed Michael Carrick as the "right man" for the managerial position, noting the return to a 4-3-3 formation has improved player performance and confidence .
- Hong Kong U16 players Wong Soon and Zhang Jinling acknowledged the physical gap with their opponents but valued the rare opportunity to compete before 5,000 spectators alongside elite-level competition .