Harry Amass features in this week's Academy Notebook.
Harry Amass features in this week's Academy Notebook.(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United's Under-21s played a behind-closed-doors friendly last weekend, and they will take on Altrincham on Friday.
United's youth teams are gearing up for the new season, while a large number of academy players continue to spend time around the first team as Michael Carrick oversees training ahead of the third pre-season friendly.
This week's edition of the Manchester Evening News' Academy Notebook includes updates on the club's new goalkeeper signing, Harry Amass' contract situation, and an entry on why sales shouldn't be ruled out.
Margetson debut delayed
United announced the signing of young goalkeeper Kit Margetson on a free transfer earlier this week. He was supported by his family on his unveiling day, who were clearly all proud of his move to United.
Margetson will have to wait to make his academy debut, though. He has signed for the club with a minor knee injury and is expected to return to fitness around September.
It seemed inevitable that there would be departures from the United academy goalkeeper group when Margetson signed, and Elyh Harrison was confirmed to have joined Greenock Morton on loan a day later.
It will be interesting to see how Margetson gets on at United over the next few years. United owe Swansea a compensation fee for his development, but the club recognised an opportunity to sign him on a free transfer.
Margetson is great with a ball at his feet, and perhaps he is someone the club feel they can develop and sell for a profit down the line.
Margetson signed on a free transfer.(Image: Manchester United)
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Amass' contract situation
Harry Amass has been linked with a permanent move away in this transfer window. Fans have noticed that his contract expires next summer, which would mean he has entered the final year of his deal, but United have the option to extend by 12 months, and that gives the club some breathing space.
Amass' camp are considering options ahead of the new campaign. He has received interest from the Championship again, but whether United are willing to sanction a sale remains to be seen.
If Amass is not in Michael Carrick's plans for the season, it would make sense to send him on loan, but that would mean he would return next summer with a year left on his deal, provided United trigger their option.
United would get a lower fee for Amass next summer in that scenario. The way United could protect themselves is by offering Amass a new contract. The situation is ongoing, and both parties are in dialogue over his next steps.
Amass got a taste of starting regular games last season, and young players don't want a peripheral role after getting that experience.
Amass scored against Rosenborg.(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
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Don't rule out sales
Academy sales should not be ruled out in this window. Amass' future is up in the air, while the likes of Toby Collyer and Dan Gore know they need to seal a move away in the new campaign for game time.
Collyer is an ambitious young man and feels likely to become an established Premier League player. Gore has suffered some bad luck with injuries, but he is talented and enjoyed a successful loan with Rotherham last term.
There is interest in other academy players for permanent transfers - not just the players you may think.
Collyer is set to be on the move, with options on the table.(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
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Gabriel's turnaround
Gabriel looked a tad embarrassed when his mother took photos of him with his first senior shirt after making the squad against Rosenborg. Before he made his way out of the stadium, he'd politely said "thank you" to a reporter when he was congratulated for making the squad in Norway.
United flew back to Manchester immediately after last Friday's game, and the players who featured were given the next day off, but Gabriel was an unused substitute, so he was back at Carrington on Saturday to play a game.
Gabriel scored and assisted as the U21s won and kept a clean sheet against Burnley in a behind-closed-doors friendly. It was a quick turnaround from returning from Trondheim, but Gabriel loves to play football.
Gabriel with his first senior match shirt.(Image: Steven Railston)
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Recognition for Whelan
Tony Whelan was the bedrock of United's academy for 34 years. He played a crucial role in developing hundreds of talented youth players from boys to men, and he is recognised as a club legend having stepped down in January 2025.
Whelan oversaw 97 academy graduates who made their debuts. The indoor pitch at The Cliff was recently named after him, ensuring a lasting nod to his service, and he received royal recognition in the King's Birthday Honours last month. The 73-year-old was handed an MBE and described himself as "profoundly honoured" to make the King's list.
The Association of Former United Players held an event for Whelan last weekend and players who Whelan coached contributed to a 'thank you' video, which included an appearance from Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo discussed how much it helped him to learn from Whelan, who taught him the importance of portraying the values a United player must have.
One of the secrets to Whelan's success was allowing kids to be kids in the academy. When Mainoo visited Boston for a United trip when he was 12, the snow had piled up, and the players were warned not to make snowballs.
What happened next? Whelan was in the centre of a snowball fight with the youngsters. He helped to create countless memories while developing talent.
Whelan was "The Godfather" of the academy.
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