Erik ten Hag has reportedly made a significant decision about the future of one of Manchester United’s promising academy talents for the 2024/25 season. This comes after United’s pre-season tour in the United States, which tested both experienced players and emerging stars.
During their U.S. tour, Manchester United experienced a range of results: a loss to Arsenal, a win against Real Betis, and a heavy 3-0 defeat to Arne Slot’s Liverpool. The tour offered the team a chance to evaluate their preparations for the upcoming season and gave young players an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
Among the standout players during the tour were key figures like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount, and Casemiro. In addition to these seasoned professionals, several top youth prospects were given a chance to showcase their talents. Young players such as Harry Amass, Rhys Bennett, Toby Collyer, and Ethan Wheatley were included in the squad, providing them with a valuable opportunity to impress both the coaching staff and fans.
With the new season approaching, reports suggest that Erik ten Hag has made a key decision about one of these young players. According to The Athletic, Harry Amass, a promising full-back, is set to remain with Manchester United for the upcoming season. This decision highlights ten Hag’s trust in Amass’s abilities and his potential impact on the team.
Meanwhile, the future of Toby Collyer remains unclear. Although Ten Hag values Collyer highly, he faces a decision on whether to loan him out for more playing time or keep him at the club for further development. This situation underscores the challenge of balancing the nurturing of young talent with providing them necessary competitive experience.
Reflecting on the pre-season tour, Rhys Bennett shared his perspective, noting the significance of gaining playing time and the learning experiences from playing alongside top-tier teammates. “Firstly, it’s about getting minutes and the great experience for me and the other young players. Pre-season is an opportunity where you obviously want to win every game, but I think we were a bit unlucky,” Bennett said.
He added, “We had some good moments in both halves, but it’s unfortunate that we didn’t get the result we were aiming for. I’ve enjoyed the experience, taking everything as it comes. I’ve worked hard in training, gained a lot from it, and it’s a bonus to play alongside world-class players. Playing with and against top players is something I’ll carry forward in my journey.”
Looking ahead, Manchester United is preparing for their next big challenge: a highly anticipated FA Community Shield match against Manchester City at Wembley this weekend. This game will not only kick off the new season but also test the team’s readiness and cohesion. With Ten Hag’s strategic decisions and a mix of experienced stars and emerging talents, United fans have plenty to look forward to in the 2024/25 campaign.
