Erik ten Hag has reportedly made a crucial decision regarding the future of one of Manchester United’s promising academy stars ahead of the 24/25 campaign. This development comes in the wake of United’s pre-season tour in the United States, which served as a testing ground for both seasoned professionals and emerging talents.
This summer, the Red Devils embarked on a pre-season tour in the United States, a trip marked by intense matches and valuable experiences. During their time stateside, Manchester United faced a mixed bag of results. They suffered a defeat against Arsenal, celebrated a victory over Real Betis, and concluded their tour with a heavy 3-0 loss to Arne Slot’s Liverpool. These matches provided a platform for the team to assess their readiness for the upcoming season and for young players to make their mark.
Among the notable players in action were key figures such as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount, and Casemiro. Alongside these established stars, several of the club’s top youth prospects were given a chance to shine. Young talents like Harry Amass, Rhys Bennett, Toby Collyer, and Ethan Wheatley were included in the squad, offering them a valuable opportunity to impress the coaching staff and fans alike.
As the new season approaches, reports indicate that Erik ten Hag has made a definitive decision about one of these young players. According to The Athletic, Harry Amass, a promising full-back, is expected to continue the season with Manchester United. This decision reflects ten Hag’s confidence in Amass’s abilities and potential contribution to the team in the upcoming campaign.
On the other hand, the future of Toby Collyer remains uncertain. Ten Hag holds Collyer in high regard but faces a dilemma regarding the best path for his development. The decision on whether to loan him out for more playing experience or keep him at the club for further growth is still pending. This highlights the delicate balance clubs must strike between nurturing talent and ensuring they receive adequate competitive exposure.
Reflecting on the pre-season tour, youngster Rhys Bennett shared his thoughts on the experience. He emphasized the importance of gaining minutes on the pitch and the invaluable learning opportunities that come with playing alongside world-class teammates. “First of all, it’s minutes in the legs and a great experience for me personally and the rest of the young players. It’s one of those things, with it being pre-season. Obviously, you want to win every game that you go into. I think we were unlucky,” Bennett remarked.
He continued, “We had some good spells in the first half, and the second half also, but it’s unfortunate that we didn’t get the result we wanted. I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve taken everything as it comes. I’ve worked hard in training, got a lot out of it, and obviously it’s a bonus when you can play in games like that with world-class players around you. Playing next to world-class players, playing against world-class players; it’s something that I’ll keep taking with me on my journey.”
Looking ahead, Manchester United is gearing up for their next challenge, a highly anticipated clash against rivals Manchester City in the FA Community Shield at Wembley this weekend. This match will not only serve as a curtain-raiser for the new season but also as a litmus test for the team’s readiness and cohesion. With ten Hag’s strategic decisions and the blend of experienced stars and budding talents, United fans have much to look forward to in the 24/25 campaign.