“They are both Top Players.” I was shocked by their performance. They outperformed my first team players in their performance. We select two academy players to play for us this season after the Pre-Season. “After their performances during the US tour Pre-Season, I think they’re ready, just like Garnacho and Mainoo, especially against Liverpool.” — Erikten Hag announces that Man Utd’s two youth stars would be included in his first squad plans. “They’ll most likely start the match against Man City. They are that excellent.
Erik ten Hag has reportedly made a pivotal decision about one of Manchester United’s talented academy players as the 2024/2025 season approaches. This comes on the heels of United’s pre-season tour in the United States, where both veteran players and young prospects had the chance to showcase their skills.
The Red Devils’ summer tour in the U.S. featured a series of competitive matches, offering valuable learning experiences for the squad. United experienced a range of outcomes during their tour, including a loss to Arsenal, a victory over Real Betis, and a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Liverpool under Arne Slot. These games served as an essential gauge for assessing the team’s readiness and for young players to prove themselves.
Among the standout participants were stars like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount, and Casemiro. Alongside these established players, several promising youth players, including Harry Amass, Rhys Bennett, Toby Collyer, and Ethan Wheatley, were given the chance to gain experience and demonstrate their potential.
As the new season draws nearer, reports suggest that Erik ten Hag has made a key decision regarding one of these young talents. According to The Athletic, Harry Amass, an up-and-coming full-back, is set to remain with Manchester United for the season. This decision signals ten Hag’s faith in Amass’s potential and his role in the upcoming campaign.
Conversely, the future of Toby Collyer is still undecided. While ten Hag values Collyer’s talent, he faces the challenge of determining the best course for the player’s development—whether to loan him out for more game time or keep him within the club to nurture his skills further. This underscores the careful considerations clubs must make in balancing talent development and competitive exposure.
Reflecting on the tour, Rhys Bennett shared his experiences, highlighting the importance of getting minutes on the pitch and learning from playing alongside elite teammates. “It’s been a great experience for me and the other young players to get some game time,” Bennett said. “Of course, you want to win every match, even in pre-season. We were a bit unlucky with some results, but it’s all part of the learning process.”
He added, “We had some good moments in both halves of the games, and although we didn’t always get the results we wanted, it was an invaluable experience. Playing with and against world-class players is something I’ll carry with me as I continue to grow in my career.”
Looking ahead, Manchester United is preparing for a significant test against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield at Wembley. This match will not only kick off the new season but also serve as a critical measure of the team’s readiness and cohesion. With ten Hag’s strategic decisions and a mix of seasoned stars and emerging talent, United supporters have plenty to be excited about for the 2024/2025 season.
