David Hirst: I never fell out with Sheffield Wednesday
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has raised eyebrows with a comment that would - in isolation -appear to cast doubt on Harry Amass’ progress in his loan stint with Sheffield Wednesday.
Teenage defender Amass played seven matches under Amorim for the United senior side including four starts in five Premier League matches towards the end of last season before heading out for an experience-building loan with Wednesday. The youngster has excelled at S6, earning huge plaudits across his 15 Championship appearances as a near ever-present in Henrik Pedersen’s battling side.
Responding to questions around criticism that he has moved away from the long-held United tradition of offering playing opportunities to academy graduates, Amorim fired back and used Amass as an example of a young player he used in the past but is not in his immediate plans.
Speaking ahead of the Red Devils’ Premier League clash with Bournemouth this evening, the Portuguese coach said: “He (Toby Collyer) played (for the United first team). He’s from the academy. He played here. He went to West Bromwich. He’s not playing. He played for Manchester United. So sometimes it’s not because he’s from the academy or whatever. It’s the situation, what’s happened. I don’t know what is going to be the future (for Kobbie Mainoo). Let’s see after this match.
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“Amass is now struggling in the Championship. Chido (Obi) is not always a starter in under 21s. All these guys played when a lot of people were saying sack the manager!”
The idea that the England youth international is ‘struggling’ is suspected to be reference to Wednesday’s league position rather than his individual performances. The comments come at a time that considerations are being made over Amass’ fate beyond January, when his current loan arrangement requires renewal if he is to remain at Hillsborough to the end of the season.
The Star understands other clubs have contacted United to enquire over his availability and contract negotiations are taking place with a player whose current deal runs out in 2027. The Owls are in regular communication with the Old Trafford club with a view to securing a fresh deal to keep him on, with United officials having expressed a mutual satisfaction with his progress since joining in September.
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