Manchester United have been playing without a specialist left-back for the best part of one-and-a-half seasons now.
Luke Shaw had missed over 30 games last season while backup full-back Tyrell Malacia ended up missing the whole campaign. The Englishman remains sidelined while the Dutch star is on his way back and even played in a recent U21 game.
This season, both right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have been taking turns playing there while centre-back Lisandro Martinez has also deputised there.
After a brilliant pre-season campaign, it was expected that Erik ten Hag would hand academy sensation Harry Amass some minutes, maybe in the Carabao Cup.
Villa interested in Amass
But the former manager did not think the 17-year-old was ready and hence, the ex-Watford man got no chances. Under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, Amass finally found himself on the bench, even though a debut eluded him.
Lots of rumours have been swirling around that Ruben Amorim wants to re-sign Alvaro Fernandez in January and that could further hurt Amass’ chances of a breakthrough this season.
As recently relayed by The Peoples Person, top-four rivals Aston Villa are looking to take advantage of this situation by trying to sign the United academy defender in January.
Football Insider have now revealed that the Villans have been keeping a close watch on the full-back’s performances this season for the United U21s and have been impressed enough to try and acquire him this winter.
Unai Emery wants to sign young players and the England U18 international fits the bill. However, United will block any approach for the Englishman as they feel the youngster is too talented to let go.
INEOS feel Amorim’s wing-back system suits Amass and with the Portuguese’s knack for trusting youth, his chances of finally making his debut is expected to go up.
“Man United are expected to prevent Harry Amass from leaving the club amid interest from Aston Villa, sources have told Football Insider.
United to block Villa approach
“Villa’s interest in Amass has emerged as they feel they can offer him a clearer pathway into their first-team, with their ambitious view for the future.
“United view Amass as a key player for the future with “huge potential”, and despite growing interest, it would take a huge fee to tempt them into selling.
“The Portuguese boss plays wing-backs in his system, and there is a belief that Amass is more suited to the role than the makeshift options used so far this season.”
The former Watford star has impressed for the United 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.
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
