Rúben Amorim urged to hand forgotten “exciting” Manchester United star his senior debut

Rúben Amorim has been urged to hand forgotten Manchester United talent Harry Amass his senior debut amid significant struggles at left wing-back.

During Rúben Amorim’s opening six weeks as Manchester United’s head coach, it has become clear that the left wing-back spot in his favoured 3-4-3 is becoming a major sticking point.

United’s defensive struggles, particularly from set pieces, have been a glaring issue since Amorim’s arrival. Strengthening the backline is expected to be a priority in the upcoming transfer market.

Beyond this month, the left-back position has been a consistent problem for United over the last decade. Luke Shaw, once a mainstay in the role, has battled frequent injuries since his horrific double leg fracture during a Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven in 2015.

Tyrell Malacia, Shaw’s understudy, has only just returned from a lengthy 17-month absence following a serious knee injury that required multiple operations.

While Diogo Dalot has admirably filled in at left-back, his preference and effectiveness lie on the right side—a fact that Amorim himself has acknowledged.

Amorim urged to hand Amass a chance at left wing-back

With Malacia and Dalot both failing to impress in the position over the long term and Shaw not able to prove himself due to injuries, Amorim has been called to trial 17-year-old Harry Amass in the position.

The 39-year-old is no stranger to throwing youngsters into the senior fold when needed, with Nuno Mendes and Geovany Quenda previous examples of this under the Amorim at Sporting CP, both having made their debuts under him at 17.

Writing on his X account, prominent football writer and broadcaster Henry Winters has called for Amorim to do so once again with Amass.

“Amorim has to address the lack of leaders in the squad,” Winters wrote. “United are too diffident. They have to recruit stronger characters and also promote from the academy players who care deeply about the club.

“Give Harry Amass a chance. Amorim says he’s had only four training sessions to work on 3-4-2-1, far too short a time for such a major tactical change to be absorbed.

“He can really be judged only after a summer transfer window and a proper pre-season. The “suffering” will continue before things get better.”

Amass talent has been forgotten amid United’s issues

In 2023, Amass was dubbed as “one of Europe’s most exciting full-backs” as he rose through the ranks of United’s academy, securing multiple trophies as part of a record-breaking U18s squad.

In the 2024 pre-season, Amass was handed 270 minutes from United’s five games, playing particularly well against Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah, who has since gone on to shine this season with 19 goals and 15 assists in 25 appearances across all competitions.

There were even calls for Amass to start against Manchester City in the Community Shield in August, although Erik ten Hag neglected to do so and United drew 1-1 at Wembley Stadium, losing on penalties.

However, amid United’s struggles in the months that came after this, Amass has been mostly forgotten about and is still yet to be handed his competitive senior debut. He has continued to shine in the U18s and is considered a part of United’s broader first-team squad, but is yet to get his chance.

He would be a fantastic option to trial out at left wing-back, as it’s a fairly safe position for a youngster to play. Due to the extra defensive cover that comes with three centre-backs, Amass would be able to express himself and play a true attacking game.

In pre-season, he already proved that he has the guts to get physical with senior players despite his age, and should be gifted an opportunity to show Amorim what he could give this season.

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 Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.