Manchester United’s left-back crisis has been continuing since last season when both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia suffered long-term injuries.
The England international missed over 30 games last term and is yet to regain fitness while the Dutch star missed the entirety of the previous season and was recently seen in an U21 game as he builds his fitness back.
Despite the well-known issues, United refused to address the problem and in turn, brought in right-back Noussair Mazraoui in the summer.
Both the Moroccan and Diogo Dalot have taken turns in playing at left-back while centre-back Lisandro Martinez has also deputised there.
Left-back woes
Fans have been clamouring for academy sensation Harry Amass to be given a chance after his impressive pre-season displays but both Erik ten Hag and interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy opted against it.
There are murmurs of the club attempting to sign a new full-back in January and if that happens, the academy star’s chances of earning minutes could get seriously impacted.
New head coach Ruben Amorim’s system is set to utilise wing-backs instead of traditional full-backs and the 17-year-old could find chances even harder to come by unless he can adapt.
Teamtalk have now revealed that Aston Villa are preparing to take advantage of this situation and are planning a raid on United for the England U18 international.
“Aston Villa are interested in a shock move for Manchester United defender Harry Amass, TEAMtalk understands. The 17-year-old has been tipped to break into the first-team, but has yet to make his senior debut despite the left-back spot being a real problem position for United.
“Given new boss Ruben Amorim is expected to deploy a back three, the new left-sided defender may be more of an attack-minded wing-back rather than a traditional left-back.
Amass interest
“Amass is under contract until 2027 and United would not welcome any interest in the teenager, but Aston Villa are monitoring his situation as they consider trying to lure him to Villa Park.”
The former Watford star has impressed for the reserves, playing 10 times in all competitions while registering three assists.
United had to fight off the likes of Villa and plenty others to sign Amass from Watford in 2023. And it would be a real shame if they were to let go of the highly-rated teen sensation.
Hopefully, Amorim, known for trusting youth, can finally unleash Amass and bring out the best in him to ensure that he remains at Old Trafford.
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
