Harry Amass looked destined for a first-team breakthrough after starring in Manchester United’s pre-season tour.
The Red Devils jetted out to the United States over the summer and Harry Amass featured in every pre-season game under Erik ten Hag.
However, despite his impressive pre-season performances, Harry Amass was nowhere to be seen once the season began – starting with the Community Shield.
Amass continued to star in United’s academy but was overlooked by Ten Hag despite the injury problems suffered by left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
After Ten Hag was sacked, Amorim demanded a new left wing-back with the Portuguese coach also choosing to overlook Amass.
Harry Amass of Manchester United looks on during The FA Youth Cup 4th round match between Manchester United and Preston North End at Leigh Sports V...
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Harry Amass not physical enough for Man United first team
Reports back in October claimed Ten Hag’s staff had concerns over Amass’ physicality, which explains why he did not break into the first team.
With Shaw and Malacia injured, both Ten Hag and now Amorim preferred to play Diogo Dalot out of position rather than promote Amass to the first team.
MORE UNITED STORIES
Despite Malacia leaving on loan, Amass now faces plenty of competition for a spot at left wing-back.
Diego Leon is set to arrive in the summer and Patrick Dorgu was signed for £25m in January – although he did make his debut at right wing-back.
Leon has the physicality that Amass lacked, which could push United’s academy star even further down the pecking order.
Harry Amass is bulking up ahead of Man United breakthrough
Amass starred in United’s U18s FA Youth Cup win over Chelsea on Wednesday evening, where summer signing Chido Obi scored a hat-trick.
The Red Devils won 5-1 to book their spot in the next round, and as pointed out by Manchester Evening News, Amass appears “more muscular than in pre-season”.
It was the one criticism of Amass this summer, but he is clearly trying to fix that problem by bulking up this season.
READ MORE: Harry Amass sends statement to Ruben Amorim with U18 performance – one of Man Utd’s best
Still just 17 years old, Amass has plenty of time to continue his development before knocking on Amorim’s door for a first-team breakthrough.
United are still in need of extra quality at wing-back, and Amass could be a long-term solution on the left.