 Carrick was part of the West Ham United youth squad that won the FA Youth Cup in the 1998 – 99 season . He scored twice in their two @-@ legged 9 – 0 record final victory over Coventry City . According to his manager at the time , Harry Redknapp , Carrick 's difficulty at the start of his career was mainly physical and he lost almost two seasons to injuries because of his rapid growth . He made his debut for West Ham in a 1 – 1 away draw with Jokerit in the Intertoto Cup on 24 July 1999 . His league debut came five weeks later on 28 August , when he replaced Rio Ferdinand in a 3 – 0 victory over Bradford City at Valley Parade . In November 1999 , Carrick was sent on a one @-@ month loan to Swindon Town and made his first appearance for them in a 0 – 0 draw at home with Norwich City . He scored his first ever professional career goal in a 2 – 1 defeat at home to Charlton Athletic on 23 November . He scored once more during his loan spell , netting in a 1 – 1 draw at home to Walsall on 4 December . Although he impressed during his spell he could not help the team find a much @-@ needed win during his 6 outings , playing his final game for them in a 3 – 0 defeat at Manchester City on 18 December . In February 2000 he was sent on loan again , this time to Birmingham City , making just two appearances for the Blues . Carrick returned to Upton Park and scored his first goal for West Ham United , netting the first in a 5 – 0 home win over Coventry City on 22 April . During his first season he was voted as West Ham United 's Young Player of the Year . 
