Within the Manchester United academy, there is a select handful that are considered ready to make the leap up into the first-team squad.
Godwill Kukonki has already caught the eye, with Ruben Amorim naming the 16-year-old on the bench against Arsenal.
Meanwhile, in the academy, Amir Ibragimov has been impressing this season, albeit is unlikely to be debuting for Manchester United imminently.
Toby Collyer has returned and immediately rejoined the first-team squad which shows his standing within the club.
However, for Harry Amass things are looking a whole less positive. Following an impressive pre-season, the 17-year-old failed to be brought into the first team, and now his competition is set to arrive.
Harry Amass of Manchester United trains during the Manchester United training session at Carrington Training Ground on November 04, 2024 in Manches...
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Diego Leon is physically more ready than Harry Amass
Amass may have believed this was going to be his breakout season for United, however, it was quickly made clear it wouldn’t be the case. Sources claimed that Ten Hag’s coaching staff had doubts over Amass’ physicality, which was why he hadn’t debuted.
This is despite Amass being strong in almost every other area of the pitch apart from his defensive positioning and awareness.
Now, United are expected to sign 17-year-old Paraguayan wonderkid Diego Leon in a move which could really concern Amass.
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Leon is one of South America’s most exciting talents and he possesses the physicality that Amass has been lacking to date. This could potentially see Leon considered as a more ready option to occupy a wing-back slot under Amorim, spelling out trouble for Amass.
The teenager has been lauded for his athleticism as he is quick and strong albeit extremely raw. Leon is one for the future, but given his natural qualities, if he can put it all together then he could be an absolute star.
In fact, combining Amass and Leon would create the ideal wing-back – but signing a highly rated competitor for Amass will only see one make it at United.
Amass must get a January loan from Manchester United
With this in mind, Amass does still have the advantage of being a more talented and technical footballer as of right now.
But in order for his development to continue and to avoid stagnating – a loan in January must be on the cards for Amass.
It has been reported that Championship clubs are keen on signing Amass, which could be massive for his evolution as a footballer, and no doubt give him the chance to prove himself to Amorim.
Ultimately though, United are doing the right thing. So few youngsters end up fulfilling their potential and by having two, the chances are doubled that one will be the future wing-back.
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