Manchester United have issued a U-turn on the future of one of their “exciting” Academy players after Rúben Amorim was poised to hand him his debut.
Manchester United are beginning the United States leg of their pre-season tour as Rúben Amorim continues preparations for his first full season in charge.
Their opening match ended in a 0-0 draw with Leeds United in Stockholm, but there were encouraging signs from youngsters like Leny Yoro and Kobbie Mainoo, along with new signing Matheus Cunha.
Next, United will face Graham Potter’s West Ham in New Jersey as part of the Premier League Summer Series, which also includes games against Everton and Bournemouth.
The squad will be based in Chicago for the 10-day trip, with Amorim taking several Academy stars with him as Bentido Mantato, Chido Obi, and Tyler Fredricson, among others, continue to impress.
United issue U-turn on Moorhouse future
One Academy starlet who was widely tipped to make his debut last season was Jack Moorhouse, with the 19-year-old impressing manager Amorim and the “exciting” starlet earning a promotion to the first-team training sessions earlier this year.
Amorim’s initial estimates of Moorhouse quickly grew after the Portuguese watched the English starlet shine in person during a 5-1 win over Southampton’s U21s in a Premier League 2 tie, when he scored twice.
However, a new report from UnitedInFocus has now revealed that the club has decided instead to send the 19-year-old on loan for the upcoming campaign.
BBC Sport correspondent Simon Stone has since added that Moorhouse is closing in on a one-season move to League One club Leyton Orient.
Fewer debut chances leading to more loans
United have already signed off on several loan moves this summer, with the likes of Daniel Gore, Joe Hugill, and new Academy striker Enzo Kana-Biyik all being granted temporary moves away.
Young left-back Harry Amass is also set to spend the season on loan following Diego Leon’s arrival, with United wanting the former to gain as much first-team experience as possible next campaign.
While some of those closer to first-team action have stayed with Amorim, a key reason for United being happy to send so much talent out on loan is the lack of opportunity next season.
After finishing 15th in the league table last time around and losing the Europa League final, United will not play any European football across the next 12 months, significantly reducing the number of games the club will have.
While United’s younger players were sometimes handed debuts and possible minutes in the early rounds of cup competitions and against weaker European opponents, the lack of opportunities in the coming year means those who are on the cusp of professional football must seek minutes elsewhere to further their development.
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