Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup campaign ended on Monday night after a penalty shootout loss to Aston Villa.
Adam Lawrence named a very strong line-up to take on the Villians in their home, but it wasn’t enough as the home side’s defensive organisation left the Red Devils looking clueless on how to break it down.
It is no easy feat to make Manchester United’s U18 attack struggle as for much of this season it has been free scoring. However, Villa were excellent as a compact unit, limiting United to brief chances as Lawrence’s side lacked imagination.
United lost 3-1 on penalties to Villa, with James Scanlon scoring the goal in normal play to equalise after a third-minute Villa opener. The game then went to penalties with Sam Proctor brilliant to deny United twice and watched a third roll wide.
It was a frustrating night, and the team will be kicking themselves after being knocked out. However, it is a learning experience for the youngsters.
That being said, there is one decision which ended up proving costly and may have been the reason behind some of the struggles.
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United missed Harry Amass at left-back
On Monday, it was confirmed that Chido Obi would be involved in the game. However, Ruben Amorim decided to keep Harry Amass with the first team ahead of Tuesday night’s clash with Nottingham Forest.
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It is no surprise, considering Amass had a successful debut against Leicester prior to the international break, however, it left the U18s short.
Dante Plunkett could have played a role, but ultimately for United, it is Amass who should have been playing as he had been pivotal in the cup run to the semifinals.
Luke Shaw should shoulder some of the blame for his inability to be ready to play for United, meaning Amass is needed
Amorim denying Amass from playing in the U18s on Monday means he is owed minutes on Tuesday night. But this won’t change the fact that it could have had a deciding impact on the reason United lost in the semi-final.
Harry Amass’ absence hindered Manchester United for two reasons
Amorim will have been impressed with Amass’ performance on Monday night, but unless he plays on Tuesday, it is bizarre not to include him in the U18s.
By not having Amass at his disposal, Lawrence started Godwill Kukonki as the left-back, although he is really more of a centre-back and offers little going forward.
Due to this, Aston Villa were not concerned about the threat down that side of the pitch and congested the right instead. This could not have been the case with Amass involved as he provides a threat going forward with his superb technical ability.
Amass’ absence also meant that when change was needed at left-back, it saw the in-form and most dangerous player on the pitch, Bendito Mantato, moved from right wing to left-back.
This hindered United and killed the momentum in the game – a decision which, along with taking off the Fletcher twins, Jack and Tyler, led to the defeat.
Hopefully, Amorim benefits from the decision and utilises Amass on Tuesday.