Burnley U21 v Manchester United U21: Premier League 2
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Harry Amass was back in action before the first-team plays in a U21s game against Burnley, and he shone as usual, but the bigger story is elsewhere.
Man Utd’s U21s were in action against Burnley in a game that finished 1-1, and featured many familiar names for Man Utd fans.
Harry Amass started at left-back as he continues to search for a first-team opportunity, while pre-season hero Dan Armer saw a red card in the second half.
While Amass shone, to nobody’s surprise, a real decision needs to be made on his exciting wonderkid teammate to keep him from going down Amass’ route.
Harry Amass shines and Bendito Mantato scores
The game became tough for the youngsters late on when Armer was sent off, but they were doing extremely well before that against a strong Burnley side with many first-team players.
Amass provided thrust and spark from left-back, continuously getting out of tight areas and playing in his teammates in better positions.
It should come as no surprise to anybody, since this is a player who shone in senior football in dire circumstances at Sheffield Wednesday last season.
Joining him on the list of impressive performers was Bendito Mantato, who has become somewhat of a forgotten man after debuting under Ruben Amorim.
Mantato opened the scoring in the first half and showed his versatile skill set in a fluid attack, where he popped up on the left, right, as well as a few forays through the centre.
Mantato has played multiple positions for the academy, but it looks like he’s nailing the right wing spot for now, from where he can cut inside onto his stronger left foot.
While Mantato and Amass shone, the real decision needs to be made on their fellow teammate, who was once again the brightest spark for the academy.
Man Utd need to make a decision on Tynan Thompson
Mantato’s goal was made by Tynan Thompson, who started on the left and continued his exciting run of form as he gets used to his new surroundings.
Thompson showed two-footedness again, running to the byline and crossing into the box, while maintaining his scoring instinct as an inside forward.
Since signing from Spurs for an initial fee of £4m, Thompson hasn’t been anywhere near the first team outside of a pre-season appearance, and that’s a problem.
It’s not like United are swimming in LW options and scoring freely, and they’ve genuinely invested a big fee from an academy perspective in Thompson.
As he gets used to United, it’s becoming quite clear that he’s too good for academy football, and at 18, he needs senior football urgently.
A January loan move should beckon if he’s not given a chance in the first team, because he’s not going to grow much by playing against academy players anymore.