Things at Manchester United might be under a dark cloud right now, but at least the players contracted to the club, developing elsewhere, are having a fruitful time.
Ruben Amorim is not using the academy at all this season, as there are no cup games or European football.
Therefore, the players who have managed to secure a first-team football loan are in a better position than those waiting for Amorim to see the light and start giving opportunities to youngsters.
One of those players has just been given the ultimate compliment by his manager. He’s on the path to taking himself to the ‘next level’.
Henrik Pedersen praises Harry Amass
Harry Amass going on loan this season left some people scratching their heads, as he had broken out last season with some first-team experience.
However, Diego Leon was kept over Amass at Old Trafford, with the Paraguayan youngster prioritised to keep his upheaval to a minimum.
Furthermore, Amass was sent on the most difficult loan in the Championship at a Sheffield Wednesday side in financial peril.
United prioritised senior minutes over everything else with Amass, and Wednesday didn’t let them down, making the player a key part of their plans.
Amass has done well at Sheffield so far, even prompting his teammate to thank Carrington, and Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen is now added to the list.
He said (via The Star): “I see a young man who is growing a lot right now. I see a young man who, mentally, is going to be stronger and stronger.
“I also see a young man who values the defensive stuff as much as the offensive stuff. This is what he has to do when, one day, he goes back again and wants to take the next level.
“How he has played defensively in the last two games, it is very strong for Harry. Very strong. Today, compared to last week [vs Portsmouth], he also brought more offensively and that means his running capacity is starting to increase, so not only is he working hard defensively, he can also start to work more offensively. He is a young man [going] in the right direction.”
Amass loan can set a template
Usually, most clubs use youth players as a source of revenue, either actively by selling them, or passively by sending them on loans.
United set a brilliant precedent by prioritising the player’s development over any passive income, by taking on every cost of Amass just so he can play regular first-team football.
In an era where youth academies have become a selling farm, the Amass loan can become a template for United’s most exciting youngsters with a genuine chance of breaking through.
Clubs will be itching to get their hands on the best young players for a season if there are no costs involved, and it will open up senior pathways for these young players.
The youngsters will also be more receptive to joining United if they know they aren’t just an asset on the books. The club cares about their development.
Hopefully, Amass can continue his fruitful time at Sheffield Wednesday in a loan that is benefitting everyone involved.
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