RUBEN AMORIM was forced to name EIGHT teenagers on the bench for Manchester United’s clash with Tottenham on Sunday.
The United boss is navigating a horror injury crisis at Old Trafford that has left him with ELEVEN first team players out of action.
Amad Diallo became the latest big name to find himself sidelined after suffering an ankle ligament injury – with fears the winger could miss the remainder of the season.
While Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are amongst the other stars watching on from the treatment room.
The ever-growing list has forced Ruben Amorim’s hand, meaning there’s eight teenage academy kids on his bench – giving their substitutes a combined age of just 19.45-year-old.
So who are the youngsters being thrown in at the deep end?
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Ayden Heaven – 18
This name might ring a bell to those who keep a keen eye on the January transfer window.
Centre-back Ayden Heaven, 18, joined United last month from Arsenal’s academy.
The towering defender was offered a pro deal with the Gunners, but opted to join United instead in pursuit of first team minutes.
The England U19 international is the only teenager on the bench to have made a pro debut at the top level, he featured in Arsenal’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Preston North End back in October.
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Elyh Harrison – 18
Harrison, 18, is United’s only other fit goalkeeper with both Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton out injured.
Another England youth international, Harrison spent the first half of this season on loan in the National League North with Chester.
The shot-stopper was recalled in January after keeping seven clean sheets in 18 appearances for the club.
He made the bench for United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace earlier in February.
Harry Amass – 17
Another recognisable name, Harry Amass is rated highly amongst the Old Trafford faithful and the Man Utd hierarchy.
The 17-year-old caught the eye of most fans during United’s pre-season tour.
Amass, who plays as a left-back, has been likened to Luke Shaw given his position and his style of play.
United fans will be hoping he has a better injury record, however.
Tyler Fredricson – 19
Like Heaven, Fredricson operates as a centre-half.
The 19-year-old has risen through the ranks at Carrington and, although he is yet to make his debut for the club, has been earmarked as a potential player of the future.
It’s his first time making the matchday squad for his boyhood club.
Fredricson has represented England at U17 and U18 level in the past.
Sekou Kone – 19
Central midfield talent Sekou Kone has a different story to the rest with United splashing £1million on the 19-year-old this summer in a deal with Guidars FC in his homeland of Mali.
Kone shone at the 2023 Under-17s World Cup as he helped his country finish third and beat Argentina.
The teenager is following in the footsteps of Tottenham star and compatriot Yves Bissouma, who also graduated from Guidars’ academy before moving to Europe.
But despite his similar path to Bissouma, Kone has instead been dubbed the “next Yaya Toure” by African media outlets.
Jack Moorhouse – 19
Another midfielder, Moorhouse is certainly one to watch – at least he is if you ask Ruben Amorim.
Amorim personally watched the midfielder during a 5-1 win over Southampton in December alongside Darren Fletcher and Jason Wilcox.
Moorhouse scored twice in the game and has now been rewarded for his fine form with a call-up to the first team.
The 19-year-old sounds like a favourite of the new boss at the Theatre of Dreams.
Chido Obi – 17
United clearly have a thing for stealing away Arsenal’s rising stars.
Similarly to Ayden Heaven, Obi-Martin, joined United earlier this season after the Red Devils snatched him away from the Gunners academy.
The Danish 17-year-old has been highly rated for a long time after smashing youth records while on the books with Arsenal – and United fans have been gagging to see him lineup for the first team.
Striker Obi managed an astonishing 32 goals in just 18 U18 Premier League appearances for Arsenal last season, and has scored nine in 11 for United’s youth ranks this term.
Jack Fletcher – 17
Fletcher has probably been the closest to making a breakthrough this season, having been named on the bench in the Premier League three times already this term.
However, the attacking midfielder is still yet to make his senior debut for the Red Devils.
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At just 17 years old, Fletcher has represented both England and Scotland at youth international level – sparking a war over his long term future.
He’s no stranger to playing for rivals either, having been pinched away from Man City’s academy in 2023.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
