MANCHESTER UNITED fans got their first real look at Harry Amass during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.
The 17-year-old put in an all-action display in the 3-2 win against Real Betis – not only showcasing his no-nonsense defending but in getting forward to supply an assist for Amad Diallo.
HOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?
The 5ft 9in full-back is reminiscent of Luke Shaw in the way he patrols the whole left flank.
Like Shaw he has a good understanding with the attacking players – not least Marcus Rashford on that left wing.
And like Shaw he has a good delivery of the ball into the area as well.
The player himself clearly likes the comparison as he mentioned while on tour.
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Amass said: “It is a good comparison. In my opinion one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, if not the best for a long time.
“So I am not going to complain about the comparison.”
TELL US ABOUT THEIR RISE
The Londoner joined Watford’s academy at the age of nine and United paid them compensation last year to take the highly rated youngster to Carrington to continue his development.
United boss Erik ten Hag was so impressed he brought him into first-team training last February and Amass got a place on the bench for the FA Cup game against Liverpool.
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He has represented England at Under-15, 16 and 18 levels, playing recently against Switzerland.
WHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING?
Ten Hag believes Amass has similar potential to that of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo – and reckons he could make his senior breakthrough THIS season.
Ten Hag said: “He is not that far away now at this moment. If we train him well, if we coach him well, then in three months it’s possible that he can be on that point.
“In this moment he needs to catch up and he has to develop some skills to play for Manchester United, competing for the highest positions in the league.
“But with big talent it can go up very quickly and that is very interesting to see if he is capable of doing this.
“We all see here a potential like where we have seen in previous years, for instance Garnacho last season.
“We had it during last season with Kobbie.”
We all see here a potential like where we have seen in previous years, for instance Garnacho last season
Erik ten Hag
WHAT DOES THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD?
United clearly have concerns at full-back with the ongoing injury problems to Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, which is why they bought Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
But Amass will provide further back-up.
He showed in pre-season that he is not far away and the player himself believes he can break into the first team.
Amass said: “My intention is to play first-team football at this club.
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“I think if the opportunity comes, I’ve got to take it with both hands, it could change my career. I am just waiting for that moment, I am ready.”
He is in the Europa League squad – he had to be named in it due to being at United for less than two years – and that might provide him with his chance if the Red Devils qualify before the end of the group stage.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
