The stage at Manchester United is set for the rise of another young talent, Harry Amass. At just 17 years old, Amass is already turning heads and capturing the attention of manager Erik ten Hag, who believes the left-back could follow in the footsteps of recent academy breakout star Kobbie Mainoo. However, Ten Hag has urged patience, as Amass still needs to cultivate his burgeoning “big talent.”Embed from Getty Images
With Luke Shaw’s recurring injuries and Tyrell Malacia sidelined for two more months due to a knee injury, an opportunity has opened for Amass. Signed from Watford in August 2023, this promising youngster might find himself thrust into the first-team spotlight sooner than expected. Ten Hag remarked, “He is not that far along now [as Mainoo was] at this moment, but if we train him well, if we coach him well, then in three months, it’s possible that he can be at that point. But at this moment, he needs to catch up and develop some of the skills needed to play for Manchester United when we are competing for the highest position in the league.”
The Dutch manager added, “With big talent, it can go very quickly, and it is very interesting to see if he is capable of doing this.”
A Rising Star on the US Tour
Harry Amass has already made an impression on Manchester United’s US summer tour. With his unique combination of physicality, technical prowess, and attacking flair, he has shown why he is seen as the next big thing. In a thrilling 3-2 victory over Real Betis at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium, Amass set up Amad Diallo’s goal with a perfect cross from the left wing and showcased his defensive skills with robust tackles and efficient defensive positioning.
Reflecting on the unexpected opportunity, Amass said, “It’s probably happened quicker than I expected. But that’s the game; anything can happen at any time. Injuries come about, and you’ve just got to take your chance when it comes.”
When asked about his performance, he said, “I enjoyed it. You’ve just got to show your aggressive side – you might be young and smaller than the opponent, but you have to show you are aggressive and don’t back down.”
A Pathway to Stardom
Amass is not the only youngster catching Ten Hag’s eye. The tour also includes Ethan Wheatley, an 18-year-old forward, and Toby Collyer, a 20-year-old defensive midfielder. With Rasmus Højlund sidelined due to a hamstring injury and Casemiro’s advancing years, these young talents might also find opportunities in the first team.
Wheatley expressed his inspiration from Mainoo’s rise, saying, “The likes of Kobbie, playing with us less than a year ago and breaking into the first team, inspires and motivates because we know the pathway is there. If we impress, get the chances that will be given at this club, we’ll take them.”
Collyer, who recently signed a new contract, added, “That was a massive boost. It shows obviously he rates me as a player, just onwards and upwards, really. Just got to give my best every day and see what happens.”
Amass’s Journey: From Watford to United
Harry Amass began his football journey at Watford, joining their academy at the tender age of nine. His rapid progression saw him included in a first-team squad for the first time in January 2023 when he was just 15 years old. In August 2023, he joined Manchester United, where he plays predominantly for the under-18s.
Amass has already represented England at various youth levels, including the under-15s and under-16s. In February 2023, he helped his side win the UEFA Development Tournament in Cyprus and participated in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
A Future Star in the Making
With his impressive technical ability, quickness, and strong defensive skills, Harry Amass has everything in his locker to become one of the Premier League’s future stars. As he prepares to seize his opportunity under Ten Hag’s watchful eye, Manchester United fans eagerly await to see if Amass can truly become a significant force on the pitch. With the potential to become a first-team regular, the future looks bright for this talented young left-back.
