The 17-year-old was the silver lining of a difficult pre-season for the Red Devils and can alleviate the team's problem position
Manchester United's last campaign could be defined by two themes, one of them good, one of them bad. An injury crisis derailed Erik ten Hag's side from the start and would haunt the squad right until the end, leaving them with more stricken players than any other Premier League team and forcing the coach to improvise each week with the few players he had at his disposal.
The plus side was the emergence of young players. Alejandro Garnacho kicked on from his breakthrough campaign and became the team's most consistent attacker, while Kobbie Mainoo breathed new life into the midfield. Amad Diallo had a thrilling end to the season, while Ethan Wheatley then became the club's 250th academy graduate to make his debut.
The pattern looks set to repeat itself this season. United have already lost Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro to lengthy lay-offs and four defenders are doubts for Saturday's Community Shield clash with Manchester City. And another teenager is ready to fill the void and stake his claim for a place in the first team. Step forward Harry Amass.
The left-back has made huge progress since signing from Watford last year and was the breakout star of United's otherwise disappointing pre-season tour of the United States. Amass' consistent run in the team even took him by surprise, but the 17-year-old showed he was more than ready to answer the call…
GettyWhere it all began
Amass grew up in London and when he was nine years old joined the Watford academy, which has previously produced former United winger Ashley Young, as well as Jadon Sancho.
He was regarded as the brightest youngster at Watford and soon caught the attention of England's youth coaches. He represented the Under-15 side in 2022, and has since played at U16 and U17 level.
AdvertisementThe big break
Amass first gained attention beyond Watford's academy when then-first-team coach Slaven Bilic named on the bench for an FA Cup third-round tie against Reading in January 2023, when the left-back was still 15. Amass didn't get on the pitch and Watford were beaten 2-0, but he had already made a name for himself.
The big clubs soon sat up and took notice, as Chelsea and United both set about trying to sign him. United eventually prevailed, sealing a deal in August 2023 after Stephen Ajewole, their scout in the south of England, recommended him, while head of academy Nick Cox and Luke Fedorenko, head of academy recruitment, got the deal over the line.
Amass stood out in the U18s and was soon promoted to the U21s. He also began training with United's first team in the New Year, when he was still 16, and was named on the bench for the first time for the Premier League game against Liverpool in April, a month after he had turned 17. He was part of six Premier League matchday squads until the end of the season and for the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry, although he remained an unused substitute each time.
How it's going
Amass made his debut for the United first team in the second half of their opening pre-season friendly of the summer against Rosenborg, and despite the team losing 1-0 and receiving an angry rant from Ten Hag, Amass appeared again in the subsequent 2-0 win over Rangers and then started against Arsenal in Los Angeles.
He was one of United's best performers in the 3-2 win over Real Betis, setting up Amad's goal, while he also stood out against Liverpool, even though United were well beaten 3-0. He had the daunting task of coming up against Mohamed Salah, but proved more than up to it, staying on top of Liverpool's talisman.
GettyBiggest strengths
Amass may still be a teenager, but he has already got a reputation for being a tough tackler who is not afraid to show his aggression. He produced some hard-hitting tackles on Hector Bellerin and Rodri in the game against Betis, and also used his strength to shackle Salah.
"You’ve just got to show your aggressive side – you might be young, smaller than the opponent but you have to show you are aggressive, and don’t back down," he said.
The 17-year-old has also demonstrated his ability to get forward and make things happen in the final third, frequently joining the attack down the left wing.