Harry Amass started his first fixture for Manchester United on Sunday afternoon as Rúben Amorim’s men fell to a 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United.
Although those such as Manuel Ugarte and Altay Bayındır put in lacklustre displays for Manchester United in Tyneside, Harry Amass was praised for his positive performance in what was only his second senior appearance for the club.
“I think he did quite well,” Rúben Amorim told journalists when asked about the Academy graduate’s performance.
“He caught a player that is really fast, he debuted in maybe one of the hardest stadiums with one team that is in a good moment.
“I think he did really good. He needs to continue, and we need to help all these young kids. To perform in a higher level.”
What Amorim did 48 hours before Newcastle
Ahead of the game against Newcastle, Amorim gathered his team for a pre-match briefing at the hotel, where he announced the starting XI for the fixture.
According to MailSport, there was little surprise from United’s senior players when it was revealed that Amass would be starting at left wing-back, despite the 18-year-old not being told in advance or pulled side by Amorim regarding the landmark moment for him.
Amass was treated just like every other senior player in United’s dressing room, which is a somewhat symbolic memento that the Academy graduate is now valued as a first-team member by the head coach.
The report further adds that many within the squad saw it as a natural next step for the player, with his full Premier League and club debut coming just a few weeks after he saw his first senior action off the bench against Leciester City last month.
Amass could change United’s summer plans
While it is always fantastic to see Academy players rise through the ranks and be handed their first-team debuts at the club, Amass’ promotion to the first team could signal a change in United’s transfer plans.
In January, United saw left-back Tyrell Malacia leave to PSV Eindhoven on loan, with Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu arriving as a replacement. Malacia is expected to be sold in the summer. United also secured a deal for Paraguay U20 international Diego Leon, who will join United in the summer from Cerro Porteno in July.
Although there was serious concern that United would have to sign another left-sided wing-back this summer, Amass’ promotion means that Amorim may have two first-team players, Dorgu and Amass, at his disposal, with Leon providing reserve back-up and depth.
This may mean that United no longer have to commit millions to securing another player in the position this summer and can instead focus on much-needed attacking reinforcements.
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