Erik ten Hag is “seriously considering” surprise Man United decision for Man City clash

Erik ten Hag is “seriously considering” a surprise Manchester United lineup decision for the Community Shield clash against Manchester City.

The Reds have completed their pre-season tour, and Erik ten Hag’s side are preparing for the new Premier League campaign.

Before the season opener, United will face their City rivals at Wembley after winning against them in the FA Cup final last term.

This game could provide important minutes for the players who missed the pre-season tour, but Ten Hag is reportedly considering a surprise decision for the game.

According to Sam Pilger, 17-year-old defender Harry Amass is being seriously considered to start the Community Shield against Man City this weekend.

Despite Luke Shaw perhaps needing the minutes ahead of the season opener, Amass’ performances across pre-season could influence the Dutch manager to give Shaw more time to get back to fitness.

It would be another huge test for the academy player, who held his own against Mo Salah on tour. Ten Hag admitted that Amass was not far away from first-team involvement.

“He is not that far along now [as Kobbie 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,” the manager explained during pre-season.

“But at this moment, he needs to catch up, and he has to develop some of the skills needed to play for Manchester United when we are competing for the highest position in the league.

“But with big talent, it can go very quickly, and it is very interesting to see if he is capable of doing this.”

As Mainoo displayed last term, that progression can be made very quickly, and while Amass will unlikely steal a spot in the first eleven so quickly, he could provide important squad depth going forward.

Asked by reporters during the tour whether he thinks he is ready for first-team football, Amass was brilliantly confident in his response.

“I mean, if the opportunity comes around, then I’m going to grab it with two hands,” he asserted.

“I think I am ready. That’s what I want to do; that’s what I’m here to do. I’m here to play first-team football.”

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Thursday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.