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Ruben Amorim could be boosted by the return of a loan duo into his first-team squad.
You can usually tell how highly a Manchester United youngster is rated by where they end up going out on loan.
That is not to play down the achievements of those who are plying their trade in the lower levels of the EFL currently, but even huge success at League One level does not necessarily equate to an Old Trafford future. Those who join another top European league or move to the Championship are better-suited to making an immediate impact upon their return to Manchester, given the experience they will have gained and the level of competition they will have faced.
That is exactly what two of United's summer loanees have done already. Harry Amass and Radek Vitek have both been standout performers in the English second-tier this season and could be in line for permanent promotions to the first-team by the end of it.
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United included break deals in most of their loan agreements, so that they have the option to recall the player in January, in case they are not playing regularly or might have their development better-suited at another club. That is an option for both Amass and Vitek, though the duo are both eager to remain at their current sides, where they are both settled and playing regularly.
Amass was handed his United debut by Amorim last season and went on to make seven appearances across all competitions. The 18-year-old was clearly a very raw talent who needed to work on his physicality, and was excluded from the pre-season tour of the United States to facilitate a loan move.
The teenage left-back eventually joined Sheffield Wednesday, where he has quickly become a fan favourite with his tenacity and work ethic. He has started in all 11 Championship matches since he arrived and has gained the physical edge he lacked during his brief period in the United first-team.
The same can be said for Radek Vitek. The 22-year-old has kept five clean sheets for Bristol City and has performed so well that goalkeeper Max O'Leary has been unable to win his starting role back. O'Leary had started every minute of every league match for the past two seasons but is now behind the United loanee in the pecking order.
What is so fascinating about the pair is that they both play in positions that could be a problem next summer. United remain without a standout candidate at left wing-back and Amass could well be the competition needed for Patrick Dorgu in the role. They also signed Diego Leon this summer, though he will likely leave on loan next year to gain the same type of experience he lacks.
Vitek could well be handed the chance to act as competition for Senne Lammens in the first team, with Tom Heaton expected to retire at the end of the campaign and both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir likely to be sold. The Czech youth international is determined to prove himself at a higher level and would relish the opportunity to be a backup at such a young age.
A loan spell in the Championship can often lead to a better loan move further down the line, or a huge increase in transfer value. For Amass and Vitek, the reward could be a place in the United first team instead.
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