Manchester United and England midfielder Michael Carrick has helped launch a project offering young people free football sessions in the inner city of Manchester.

Working in partnership with the Manchester United Foundation (MUF), Carrick has offered to fund the project for the next three years through a charity he has set up.

Called Carrick’s Street Reds, the project will be the first to be launched by the Michael Carrick Foundation and will offer free football sessions to young people with the opportunity to learn new skills and work towards qualifications in a "supportive and positive environment".

“I know MUF has been doing some unbelievable work and for my foundation to get involved is very exciting,” Carrick said during a launch event at the Old Trafford Sports Barn in Manchester.

“It’s only the start for us and I’m immensely proud to be part of putting the project together – to see the smiles on the kids’ faces is priceless.”

Luke Ross, who used to be a participant in a similar project, has been appointed head coach at Carrick’s Street Reds.

“The kids love it; seeing one of their idols who they watch on the telly getting involved,” Ross said.

“For him to spend his time connects us to the club and to the players so it’s inspirational and for it to be named ‘Carrick’s Street Reds’ now is massive, so I’m sure the legacy will go on now and a lot of kids will benefit from it.”

Carrick’s Street Reds is part of the wider Street Reds programme which operates in twelve targeted locations across Greater Manchester.

The project will continue to be managed by MUF and aims to use the power of football to offer young people positive opportunities and the chance to play, lead and coach within the game.