Nick Cox deserves a lot of praise for his role in the Manchester United academy in returning to a world-class level.
It was not long ago that talented academy prospects were few and far between at Carrington.
This spiked at a time when the club was being mismanaged, with Ed Woodward making all the big decisions. This was a mistake, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe slammed Woodward knows nothing about football, which explains why things got so bad.
However, over the past few years, things have been much better at Manchester United, with academy director Nick Cox playing a big part.
Ineos have bought into this and are stacking young talents up within the academy, but Cox’s role cannot be understated with some of the deals he has helped facilitate in recent seasons.
Now, Cox has been speaking about some of the biggest names in the academy.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Nick Cox speaks on Harry Amass’ progression at Manchester United
Cox played a major role in Chido Obi’s arrival at United. However, even before Ineos’ arrival, Cox was key in the signing of Alejandro Garnacho.
Another youngster Wilcox will have been key in the signing of is Harry Amass, who joined United in the summer of 2023. Now, speaking to Manchester Evening News, Cox has spoken about how happy he is for the left wing-back.
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“I’m delighted for Harry, his family and everyone that’s worked with him, including the guys at Watford that worked with him before he came to us,” said Cox about Amass becoming United’s 253rd academy graduate.
“We’ve talked about what an amazing landmark it is, but there’s still a long way to go.
“He’s been in and around the first-team squad for maybe about a year, hasn’t he? I don’t pick the team, so the reasons why he wasn’t selected [before Leicester] will be valid, but that’s for the coaching staff and Harry to know the reasons, but he’s had to be patient.
“It wasn’t as if he wasn’t disappointed. Of course you’re desperate, you want to play and get on the pitch, but I’ve been really impressed with the determination, the resilience and the persistence to keep learning. He’s spent time with the first team and then back with the youth team.
“He’s kept working, kept improving and been ready for when the moment comes. As a young player, you don’t know when it’s going to come, and you’ve got to be ready, which isn’t easy.”
What next for Harry Amass at Manchester United?
Amass may have made the step up, finally, last time out during United’s big win over Leicester City, but his long-term future is not guaranteed.
Amass was impressive against Leicester, yet the left wing-back position is stacked for United, with Patrick Dorgu the likely long-term starter.
Therefore, Amass is likely fighting to be the second choice left wing-back and has serious competition arriving, with Diego Leon arriving from Cerro Porteno.
Having all three as choices for one position is overkill for United and could end up stagnating the careers of the two fighting for a spot on the bench.
Therefore, Amass could find himself the one to head out on loan for regular first team football, with Leon probably seen as a prospect who needs to spend time settling in the country.
So Amass’ future is undecided, but it is vital he finds regular football next season.