Manchester United left-back Harry Amass is forcing Ruben Amorim to make a U-turn after initial concerns about his physical deficiencies in senior football, according to reports. The England Under-18 international marked his 18th birthday by making his long-anticipated first-team debut in last Sunday's 3-0 win against Leicester City.
Amass made a half-hour substitute cameo at the King Power Stadium and didn't look out of place as United cruised to victory against Ruud van Nistelrooy's relegation-bound side. He impressed during pre-season, drawing praise from former manager Erik ten Hag, but the Dutchman held off introducing him in a competitive match before his November sacking. Amass was featured on the bench for Premier League games against West Ham United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal before Amorim called on him last time out.
And now the Portuguese tactician is reportedly pondering handing the defensive starlet more opportunities heading into his first full season as head coach.
According to GIVEMESPORT, influential figures within the walls of Old Trafford were unsure whether Amass was ready to make a breakthrough into senior football.
However, the former Watford youngster has convinced Amorim that he deserves more minutes, and there are now plans to incorporate him permanently sooner than expected.
Patrick Dorgu is United's first-choice left-wing-back after his £25million arrival from Lecce in the January transfer window.
Cerro Porteno teenager Diego Leon will complicate Amass' hopes for first-team football once he completes his move from Paraguay this summer.
Yet, the report adds that United's strategy involves emerging academy talent acting as cover for regular starters in each position.
And that will likely play into Amass' hands as he vyes for further appearances under Amorim this season and next.
A loan exit remains an option. It's claimed that United are braced for loan proposals from clubs in the Premier League, Championship and overseas.
That could be the selected path if Leon arrives and instantly looks ready to deputise Dorgu, given his superior senior experience to Amass.
United won't be stressing over Amass' future or development, though, given he is under contract for another two years, earning in the region of £5,000 a week.
Amorim needs wing-backs, mainly having used natural full-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui in the positions as he's attempted to instil his 3-4-3 system.
In Amass and Leon, he boasts two high-potential options who should remove any desire to enter the market for another left-wing-back signing and instead lead to a focus on the right flank.