Harry Amass was very impressive for Manchester United against Real Betis, it might even have Luke Shaw worried.
The US tour is developing a reputation for being where Manchester United find the latest academy players who will be making the first-team jump.
Kobbie Mainoo owned the 2023 summer tour as he made it impossible to leave him out, while this summer Harry Amass has followed this example.
Amass started against Arsenal and caught the eye with his immense dribbling and link-up play, now he has built on that outing with an even better one against Real Betis – despite Erik ten Hag having to instruct him at times.
The 17-year-old was solid defensively and offensively and it’s a real statement that he’s arrived and is ready to be playing for Erik ten Hag this coming season – but for one man, Amass’ rise will be coming too soon.
Luke Shaw predicted Harry Amass’ rise
Amass’ impressive pre-season will be of no surprise to fans who have watched him tearing up the U18s last season from left-back.
The teenager was excellent as the academy side went on to lift a treble of trophies last season and many considered Amass as being ready to step up.
Speaking in June, Luke Shaw also revealed he had been impressed by the young left-back, tipping him as the one player to watch out for in the future.
“He’s a young left-back from Man United. Harry Amass”, Shaw explained when asked.
However, for the England international, the future could be coming too soon ahead of a huge season.
After his display for United against Betis, Amass was asked about Shaw and the wonderkid had glowing things to say when interviewed by the United Stand.
“You can learn a lot of things from him, he’s been in my opinion one of the best left-backs in the Premier League for the last five years. So just speaking to him every day, asking him little things on and off the pitch, the decisions he makes and his recovery off the pitch. He’s a good person to learn from.”
Erik ten Hag has a decision to make
Heading into this season, Amass has given Ten Hag a headache in selection for the upcoming campaign after his form during the tour.
This has come as Tyrell Malacia and Shaw both are not on tour, with Shaw on holiday after the Euro 2024 final defeat and Malacia continues to try and get fit.
Amass meanwhile has impressed almost every time he’s played and has surely forced his way into the plans of Ten Hag this season. But where will be fit in?
We imagine Shaw will be immediately reinstated to the team when he is back, at least initially. But where Amass could find joy is as the backup, with trust in Malacia likely at an all-time low, while he can also play on the right.
Amass deserves his chance and upon Shaw’s inevitable injury, he should be the player called into the side.
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