It's been a regular feature to witness Manchester United's academy churning out top talents, but probably none has got the spotlight in 2024, as 17-year-old Harry Amass has. Signed from Watford in August 2023, this promising left-back has risen through the ranks at Old Trafford, showing his potential through both youth and senior-level opportunities.
Rising Star: Harry Amass
Amass had first been called up to train with the first team back in February 2024, which is always a notable milestone for any young player. So his talent is taking him up the ladder. For the talented fullback, great seasons with both the Under-18 and Under-21 sides yielded seven inclusions within the senior matchday squad by the end of last season. Although yet to make his competitive appearance, former United manager Erik ten Hag did see the talent in him and gave him exposure to the highest level. Given the rare pre-season opportunity to impress with United short of senior left-backs, Amass started all three friendlies on the US Tour. His assured performances brought wide acclaim, yet he is still on the fringes-regularly named on the bench for five times this season, though he has yet to appear under Ruben Amorim's management.
The Need for Senior Experience
The reluctance to involve Amass in first-team action is partly due to his physical readiness for the demands of the Premier League. Even Ten Hag acknowledged in August that Amass needed to develop further before becoming a regular option, though he emphasized how quickly young talents like him could progress with proper coaching.
This is the developmental stage where Manchester United are faced with a dilemma: how to develop Amass's talent while giving him the experience he needs at senior level to progress further.
The Liverpool Example: Conor Bradley's Loan Success
United might look to draw inspiration from Liverpool's handling of Conor Bradley. In 2022, Liverpool sent an 18-year-old Conor Bradley out on loan to Bolton Wanderers, for whom he excelled; he made 53 games, scoring seven and notching six assists, finding experience in a competitive environment that proved priceless. That was when Bradley went to make 23 appearances in all for Liverpool's first team last season, underlining how that spell fast-tracked his development.
A similar approach could work wonders for Amass. Reports indicate the youngster, much like Bradley, is currently more adept in attacking situations than when defending. Finding a club that plays with wing-backs or relies heavily on full-backs in attacking roles could provide the perfect platform for Amass to develop.
Why a Loan Move in January Makes Sense
A January loan move would help him pick up regular game time he doesn't get within United's current setup, not forgetting taking him off that high-pressure environment that seems to be at Old Trafford for any player. With Manchester United struggling in defense right now, his return to fold will be even more worthwhile and potentially as a player now developed into what has been needed all season in their squad.
There's already some evidence that a loan move can pay dividends. Amass's former youth coach has spoken about how the teenager excels in attacking positions, again highlighting why a loan spell at a club where he can hone his talents is essential. Teams looking for a young, talented left-sided defender in January could well see Amass as a very attractive proposition.
Planning for the Future
With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia being injury-prone, and no backups clearly coming into the fore, a Harry Amass boosted by a loan spell would be of great benefit to Manchester United. The model is well documented at Liverpool regarding developing youngsters with loans in the right direction, and United should be taking notice.
By securing the right loan move in January, Manchester United will unlock Amass' full potential; he'll then return to Old Trafford ready to make a real difference. For those fans itching to see their next big academy star shine, patience may be required, but it could be very well worth it.
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