Michael Carrick sent an exclusively academy side out for the second-half of Manchester United’s pre-season opener against Wrexham, and he should be thrilled with the performance.
While Manchester United lost to Wrexham, the end result of a friendly doesn’t really matter; it’s all about the performance and getting minutes in the tank.
This is why Michael Carrick used two sets of 11 players for each half, with the first more comprised of senior players and the second filled with the academy lads, all vying for a place in the first-team for next season.
A handful of United’s youngsters played really well, with Dan Gore, Jacob Devaney, and Tyler Fletcher all excellent. But there was one standout who has surely just nailed down his place.
Name your biggest positive and biggest negative from Man Utd’s game vs Wrexham…
The stats showed how well Man Utd played vs Wrexham…
Harry Amass is ready to play a big part for Manchester United
One of the youngsters that we were most excited to see in pre-season was Harry Amass, and the 19-year-old’s chance came in the second half as he replaced Luke Shaw.
Instantly, Amass stood out for all the right reasons.
He was playing with intensity, tackling strongly, getting up and down the left side well, and creating chances with his crossing. It was a coming-of-age display for Amass to showcase everything he developed at Sheffield Wednesday.
Amass has ‘it’ and in terms of his technical ability, there wasn’t a player on the pitch who was better than the United left-back. He moves and passes like a midfielder, which makes him so brilliant on the left.
The way he receives the ball, positions himself in and out of possession, and also how robust and strong he has become – especially in a perfect sliding tackle to take the ball off Ollie Rathbone – all paint him out to be the perfect modern full-back.
Amass looked the part, and his crossing was the reason for United’s biggest chance of the game, with Ethan Wheatley just unable to get enough power to trouble Danny Ward.
If it wasn’t already clear, it should now be cemented that Carrick has found his Lewis Hall alternative and Luke Shaw’s successor.
Tyler Fletcher captained United’s XI in the second half vs Wrexham – Which young players caught your eye?
Who really impressed you?
Harry Amass’ performance against Wrexham in numbers
This summer was seen as Amass’ big chance to make it at United, and he hasn’t hesitated to take his chance.
When watching him play, it is so clear that he is destined for the top, and Manchester United simply needs to ensure he has the platform.
Here is how his game against Wrexham unfolded in numbers.
| Statistic | Vs. Wrexham |
| Minutes | 45 |
| Touches | 41 |
| Carries | 12 |
| Passes | 27/31 (87%) |
| Key Passes | 1 |
| Crosses | 1/1 |
| Defensive contributions | 1 |
| Tackles won | 1/1 |
| Recoveries | 1 |
| Duels won | 2/4 |
Amass barely put a foot wrong, and his performance will see plenty of clubs asking about him on loan for the 2026/27 season. But Carrick should answer this with a firm no, he’s staying to be a key member of the squad for United next season.
He’s ready for this next step.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
