Manchester United starlet set for first-team debut vs PAOK as Erik ten Hag prediction comes true

One Manchester United starlet is set to make his first-team debut against PAOK in the Europa League this week as Erik ten Hag’s prediction comes true.

Manchester United are preparing for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s third match in charge as interim manager, with another must-win Europa League fixture on the horizon after a shaky start to the campaign.

The Reds are currently 21st in the new league table format, a position that just qualifies them for the play-off knockout rounds but leaves little room for comfort. Wins are now essential to solidify their standing.

Under Erik ten Hag, the club’s first three European games of the season all ended in draws, despite the team having taken the lead in each match. This poor run extends further, with their last European victory dating back to October 2023 against FC Copenhagen.

Van Nistelrooy will be determined to break this streak of disappointing results before Ruben Amorim takes over as manager at Old Trafford next week. Securing three points would greatly improve United’s position in the table, four games into their Europa League journey.

Man Utd starlet set for debut

According to MailSport, the youth team players at Carrington are speaking about there being potential minutes available in the Europa League clash against PAOK this week.

The report explained that Harry Amass is earmarked to make his first-team debut in the game, most likely as a second-half substitute.

Amass would become the club’s 252nd Academy graduate, with the latest debuts from Carrington coming for Toby Collyer and Ethan Wheatley.

Ten Hag prediction comes true

Many United fans have been waiting for Amass to come into the first-team this season after strong performances during the pre-season tour.

While some felt it was perplexing that the 17-year-old did not come into the team sooner due to the problems at left-back, Erik ten Hag had already explained how he believed the teenager would develop.

Amass did show some defensive lapses in the summer and the recently sacked United manager predicted that he would be ready to make his competitive debut in November.

“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,” said Ten Hag, speaking at the start of August.

“But in 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.”

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