Manchester United’s starting XI next season is currently anyone’s guess, with a host of players set to be bought and sold by Rúben Amorim this summer.
Manchester United wrapped up their 2025 post-season tour of Southeast Asia with a 3-1 comeback win over Hong Kong, inspired by a second-half brace from 17-year-old Chido Obi and a fine header from Ayden Heaven.
United thought they had taken an early lead when Casemiro’s diving header found the net, but it was ruled offside. Despite sustained pressure from Amorim’s side, it was Hong Kong who struck first, with Juninho squeezing a shot past Tom Heaton after 20 minutes.
Rúben Amorim responded with early changes, introducing Sekou Kone and Tyler Fletcher for Shea Lacey and Casemiro after just 27 minutes. Further substitutions followed at half-time.
Shortly after the break, Obi levelled the match with a sharp left-footed finish on the turn, before heading home a second to complete the turnaround. Heaven then sealed the result with a well-placed header from an excellent Amad cross, capping off a successful tour for United in style.
Amass continuing to shine at left wing-back
While many of United’s first-team players have been thoroughly underwhelming during Amorim’s opening six months at the club, the performances of teenage players have been standout.
Young players such as Tyler Fredricson, Harry Amass, and Leny Yoro have proved that, despite United finishing 15th in the Premier League table, there is a reason to be positive about the future.
Amass has made seven competitive appearances for United, including four starts, and looked very comfortable against sides such as Newcastle and Brentford despite being just 18 years of age, and against Hong Kong, he continued to shine.
He was good defensively, tracking his man, keeping in touch and combining with his defensive line, while also playing well in attack, looking to drive in crosses and head into Hong Kong’s final third to add an extra body in attack.
Amass can dethrone Drogu next season
An area of uncertainty surrounding Amorim’s starting team next season, almost every single space will be up for grabs.
Amorim has proven at Sporting that he is not afraid to play and rely on young players in his starting teams when needed, and Amass may become a beneficiary of this next season.
Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu is United’s only senior player who is a natural left-sided player, capable of playing in the wing-back role. However, the emergence of Amass will undoubtedly give the Danish international something to think about next season.
With United not in any European competitions next campaign, their full focus will be on playing well in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup, and Amass has a real shot at dethroning Dorgu’s place as the starting wing-back on the left.
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