Erik ten Hag delivers major hint about Man United starlets, big potential roles next season

Erik ten Hag has delivered a major hint about two Manchester United starlets who could play potential roles in the squad next season.

United have started their pre-season campaign this week and Ten Hag has spoken to club media about the upcoming season.

The manager had Kobbie Mainoo emerge into the team during the last pre-season and he has suggested that there are youngsters ready to surprise people and come into the team next season.

“In every season, after a break, you will have surprises,” admitted Ten Hag. “We’re looking forward, we’re so curious: who is it this season, the surprise who can contribute to our team?

“Like last year, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho coming up and playing a big role. They are the two goalscorers in the [Emirates FA Cup] final.

“Today, we started [training], but which player is there who can do the same?”

Two players from the academy look ready to take on that challenge and play important roles in the squad next season.

Harry Amass is one of the most highly-rated teenagers in the country. Having signed from Watford last summer, the 17-year-old defender quickly impressed in the Under-18s side.

He began training with Ten Hag’s side regularly before making several appearances on the first-team bench, including at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final.

With Tyrell Malacia still injured and a new left-back not certain to be signed, Amass could prove himself as a worthy option to be Luke Shaw’s backup next term.

Meanwhile, Ethan Wheatley became a history-maker when he made his first-team debut against Sheffield United last season.

The 18-year-old striker became the 250th academy graduate when he replaced Rasmus Højlund in the final moments of the game.

While Joshua Zirkzee is expected to sign in the coming weeks, Wheatley could end up having a role in the squad as an affective option off the bench.

Alejandro Garnacho first made his name as an impact substitute in 2022/23 before emerging as a consistent starter last season. Wheatley will be hoping to prove a point in the coming weeks to Ten Hag alongside Amass.