Man United’s new transfer stance shows Erik ten Hag is prepared to use academy wildcard

Manchester United’s new transfer stance shows that Erik ten Hag is prepared to use a wildcard option from the academy next season.

The Reds have made two summer signings for the first-team so far this window, but more changes are expected in the coming weeks.

Reports from earlier this summer suggested that United would be looking to strengthen at left-back after struggling in the position last term.

Luke Shaw missed the second half of the season with an injury, while Tyrell Malacia was unavailable for the entire campaign and is still not back in action.

The likes of Sofyan Amrabat, Victor Lindelöf and Diogo Dalot filled in at the position but the lack of a natural left-back was clear for the most part.

Yet, now it seems like the left-back links have gone quiet, and United are instead looking to move on Aaron Wan-Bissaka to replace him with Bayern Munich fullback Noussair Mazraoui.

Malacia remains unavailable for at least two months, with Ten Hag explaining that the defender is progressing in his recovery.

“He’s not that far, but he is now in a progressive situation. At a relatively short notice, he can again return into team training and then into team performance in games. I think it will be possible in two months,” the manager said.

The change in transfer priority could directly link to the performances 17-year-old Harry Amass has produced throughout pre-season.

Amass started for Ten Hag’s side in the latest two pre-season outings and excelled, particularly against Real Betis, where he assisted Amad Diallo with a beautifully whipped cross.

The young star believes that he is ready for the step up to the Premier League, and while it is unlikely that he can be relied on to be a regular starter, it seems that Ten Hag trusts him enough to be an understudy to Shaw.

“I mean, if the opportunity comes around, then I’m going to grab it with two hands,” Amass responded when asked if he was ready to start for the first team.

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

This would then allow United to focus their funds on other positions during the summer such as the midfield, with several players linked.

Amass would certainly be a wildcard option for the first team, but it seems like Ten Hag trusts the youngster to make a contribution.

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