Carrie Jones reflects on ‘surreal’ week after penning new Man United deal
Carrie Jones of Wales of Wales in action. Wales v Kazakhstan in FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier at Parc y Scarlets on the 17th September 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Carrie Jones is ready for Wales’ upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Greece and France after an incredibly successful week with Man United.
Last week saw Carrie sign her first professional contract with the Red Devils, a moment that she has waited for her entire life.
‘It’s an incredible feeling, I can’t really describe it. It’s been my dream ever since I was a little girl and the fact that I’m now living my dream, sometimes you’ve got to take a pause moment and look at how far you’ve come.
‘It was emotional for me and my family, everything they’ve done for me. Ever since I started playing football, it was to get a professional contract and then go from there and the fact I’ve got that is just surreal.
Playing for Manchester United has allowed the youngster to play with some of her heroes, including a two-time World Cup winner.
‘I loved watching Tobin Heath. Her style of play, I love that, and not only when she’s in possession when she’s out of possession as well, but she’s also a demon like you’d hate to play against her.
‘When I first started training with United, I was able to train with her, and I just never took that for granted. I was always in a pinch-me moment whenever I was with her.”
While Carrie has had a lot of inspiration at Manchester United, Wales also boasts a squad of world-class players. After Jess Fishlock was announced as MVP of the NWSL, she was keen to highlight the importance of the senior players in the Wales camp.
‘It’s great for Wales and the fact that we get that sort of recognition. All over the world, we have top-class players … and the fact that I get to learn off these players, I’m very blessed to be able to do that.
Looking ahead to the qualifiers, the 18-year-old is aware that France will be an incredibly tough test, but that Greece will also prove to be a challenge.
‘Two very different games, but I think it’s important to focus on Greece first and don’t talk about France until after the Greece game.
‘It’s important that if we have a good performance against Greece, we can carry the momentum into France.
‘It’s obviously going to be a tough game (against France), but for us, it’s going to be a big learning opportunity.”
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