Who is Harry Amass? The Manchester United Youngster Poised to Aid Erik ten Hag Amid Injury Crisis

Manchester United is currently navigating a challenging phase, finding themselves in 14th place after seven matches in the 2024/25 Premier League season. Compounding their struggles, they remain winless in two UEFA Europa League outings, putting added pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. To exacerbate matters, the club is grappling with numerous injuries, particularly in defense, where the left-back position is notably affected.

Both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have yet to appear this season, with Malacia sidelined since the summer of 2023. To add to the defensive woes, Noussair Mazraoui has also been ruled out following a procedure related to heart concerns. As Ten Hag prepares the team for upcoming fixtures against Brentford, Fenerbahce, and West Ham following the October international break, he urgently needs solutions to bolster the defense. The left-back situation was dire enough last season that United had to sign Sergio Reguilon on a short-term loan, and Ten Hag is keen to avoid a repeat scenario.

In the midst of this crisis, a glimmer of hope may lie with Harry Amass, a promising talent from the Manchester United academy who is being tipped to make an impact in the current season.

Who is Harry Amass?

Harry Amass is a 17-year-old left-back from London, who joined Manchester United in the summer of 2023 after spending seven years at Watford, where he earned a reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in the country. His impressive performances have garnered attention, and he has represented England at various youth levels, from the Under-15s up to the Under-18s. While Amass has yet to make his senior debut for United, he has been included in matchday squads and frequently trains with the first team at Carrington.

During his time with United’s Under-21 squad, he played in the EFL Trophy against teams like Barnsley and Doncaster Rovers. He also played a pivotal role in helping the Under-18 team secure the league title in the 2023/24 season, showcasing his potential as a future star for the club.

Erik ten Hag on Harry Amass: Recognizing Potential

Amass caught the eye during United's 2024 preseason tour in the United States, earning praise from Ten Hag. The manager drew comparisons between Amass and Kobbie Mainoo, who made a notable breakthrough last season. When asked whether Amass could follow a similar path to senior football, Ten Hag responded cautiously but optimistically.

“He is not as far along now as Mainoo was at this moment, but if we train him well and coach him effectively, it is possible that he can reach that level in three months. However, he needs to catch up and develop certain skills required to play for Manchester United as we compete for top positions in the league,” Ten Hag stated. “With significant talent, progress can happen quickly, so it will be interesting to see if he can rise to the occasion.”

Given the current unavailability of Shaw and Malacia, the question arises: could Amass be called up to the first team in the coming weeks? Reports indicate that Ten Hag may not yet be considering him for the starting lineup, with Jonny Evans potentially stepping in as a makeshift left-back.

Fans who have followed Amass’s development within the youth teams have called for his promotion to the first team, especially considering his impressive style of play, which has drawn comparisons to Shaw’s.

In a recent interview, Amass expressed his ambition, stating, “No conversations have been had yet regarding my potential role. We'll see what happens when Luke and Tyrell come back, but my intention is to play first-team football at this club. If the opportunity arises, I’m ready to seize it; it could change my career.”

Current Injury Landscape at Manchester United

As it stands, United's injury concerns center around three key players: Mainoo, Shaw, and Malacia. Mainoo missed England's recent UEFA Nations League matches against Greece and Finland due to a knock sustained in a match against Aston Villa. Ten Hag is hopeful about Shaw's recovery post-international break, stating, “I can’t guarantee anything at the moment, but we have two and a half weeks to work towards getting him fit, and he will be back shortly.”

Malacia is reportedly nearing a return from his long-term knee issue, but the club is exercising caution due to the injury's severity. Additionally, new signing Leny Yoro is another long-term absentee. The absence of Mazraoui leaves Diogo Dalot as the only fit senior full-back, creating an urgent need for reinforcement in defense.

Is It Time for Harry Amass?

Given the current situation, the question remains: is it time for Harry Amass to be given a chance in the first team? With his strong performances in the youth ranks and the pressing need for depth in defense, Amass could provide the solution Ten Hag desperately needs. While it’s clear that he has not yet made the leap to senior football, the urgency of the situation may prompt the manager to give the talented youngster an opportunity.

In conclusion, Manchester United is facing a pivotal moment as they seek to address their injury crisis and reclaim their form in the league. Harry Amass stands as a potential beacon of hope for the team, and should he be called upon, it could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his young career. United fans will be watching closely to see if Ten Hag turns to Amass as a solution to their ongoing challenges in the coming weeks.