Manchester United youngster Harry Amass is expected to imminently make his debut amid a lack of depth at the left-back position.
With Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw both missing from Manchester United’s pre-season tour, Harry Amass was given a starting role for all three friendlies in the USA.
Amid Harry Amass‘ rising importance to Manchester United, here is a look at everything you need to know about the 17-year-old wonderkid.
Manchester United signed Harry Amass from Watford
Manchester United beat Chelsea to the signature of Harry Amass in summer 2023. The teenager was born in London and came through Watford’s academy.
Amass admitted he was tempted by Manchester United’s famed academy set up, recently telling The United Stand: “When I joined here, one of the main things was a pathway into the first-team. United showed me that straight away.”
Amass featured in a matchday squad for the Hornets
Watford named Harry Amass on the first team bench for a FA Cup clash against Reading in January 2023.
Aged just 15 at the time, Amass’ inclusion symbolised how highly-rated he is. He did not get on to make his debut, with Watford losing the game 2-0. Manchester United’s interest emerged two months later.
Amass is an England youth international
Harry Amass’ talent has been recognised at England youth level too. He was been named in England under-15 and under-16 squads before he signed for Manchester United.
Since then he has made five appearances for England’s under-17s side, and it is only a matter of time before he steps up to a higher age category.
Treble trophy winner with United under-18s
Harry Amass impressed Manchester United fans with his performances for the under-18s in 2023/24.
Amass made 17 appearances, scoring once and providing three assists, as the team won the Premier League North title with the best defensive record in the division.
This was one of three trophies Amass won in his debut season. He started as United beat City in the Premier League Cup final, before defeating Chelsea in the North vs South winners under-18s national title game.
Amass assist on his under-21s debut
Harry Amass’ impressive under-18s performances led to a call-up to the Manchester United under-21s team, and he made an instant impact.
Amass provided an assist on his under-21s debut, playing in a wing-back role. He delivered a dangerous low cross which was turned in for an own goal in a win over Brighton.
Called into United squad against Liverpool
Harry Amass was called into the Manchester United matchday squad in April 2024 for the first time, for a huge game.
Amass was among the substitutes as Manchester United took on Liverpool at Old Trafford in the Premier League, a 2-2 draw.
Amass has been tipped for the top by Luke Shaw
When Harry Amass signed, we tipped him as the next Luke Shaw. And the teenager has already caught the senior star’s eye.
In an interview earlier this year, Luke Shaw named Harry Amass as the Manchester United youngster he has been most impressed by.
Amass is thrilled by how he has been likened to the England international, commenting: “He is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, if not the best for a long time. I am not gonna complain about the comparison.”
Amass has vowed to be ‘aggressive’
Harry Amass is not daunted by going up against more experienced opponents. He showed this during pre-season, where he created two goalscoring chances against Liverpool, and delivered the cross for Amad’s goal against Real Betis.
Talking about his playing style, he commented on how he likes to be ‘aggressive’ with his approach: “On the ball, I am comfortable. I like to dribble a lot, I like to take on players, I like to excite the fans, play exciting football. On the ball, in build-up, ain’t a problem. Off the ball, you’ve got work hard, make sure you’re at it 100 per cent.”
“You might be young, smaller than the opponent, but you have to show you are aggressive and don’t back down. Then you can have a good game.”
Erik ten Hag says he can get to Mainoo’s level
Erik ten Hag believes Harry Amass can follow the incredible progress shown by first team regular Kobbie Mainoo.
The manager believes that with time and coaching, Amass can get there, telling the MEN: “We had it during last season with Kobbie. (Amass) is not that far (along in his development) 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 on that point.”
Amass ‘loves’ playing with Rashford
One first team star who Harry Amass has shared a pitch with has already caught his eye, fellow academy graduate Marcus Rashford.
Speaking on the US tour, Amass praised Rashford, talking up their instant connection on tour: “He’s one of the best players in the Premier League, he’s unbelievable. So playing with him is quite easy, he understands my game and he makes everything 10 times easier.”
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