Erik Ten Hag backs 17-year-old to follow Kobbie Mainoo by breaking into Manchester United squad
Highly-rated left-back has impressed Erik Ten Hag during pre-season
Erik ten Hag has suggested that Harry Amass could follow in the footsteps of Kobbie Mainoo by breaking into Manchester United’s first team this season.
However, the manager cautioned that the 17-year-old left-back still needs to further develop his “immense talent.”
With Luke Shaw’s injury problems and Tyrell Malacia sidelined for an additional two months due to a knee injury, a potential opportunity has opened up for Amass, who was signed from Watford last August.
Mainoo, who made his full Premier League debut in the 3-0 victory over Everton in November, established himself as a key player and went on to impress for England at Euro 2024.
Ten Hag said: “He is not that far along now [as 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.
“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.”
Amass has stood out during United’s US summer tour with his impressive blend of physicality, technique, and attacking intent.
In Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over Real Betis at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium, he contributed significantly to the win by delivering a cross from the left that led to Amad Diallo’s goal.
Additionally, Amass showcased his defensive prowess with strong tackles against Rodri and Héctor Bellerin.
Amass said of getting his chance on tour: “It’s probably happened quicker than I expected.
“But that’s the game, anything can happen at any time – injuries come about and you’ve just got to take your chance when it comes.”
Asked about the assist and his tackling, he said: “I enjoyed it. 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.
“No conversations have been had yet [with Ten Hag], but this pre-season is a chance to prove that if I am picked I can do it.
“We’ll see what happens when Luke and Tyrell come back but my intention is to play first-team football at this club. If the opportunity comes, I’ve got to take it with both hands, it could change my career.”
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