Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag faces a big dilemma ahead of the FA Community Shield game against Manchester City today.
Injuries hampered United last season. The pre-season tour to the United States continued in the same vein with Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund picking up injuries.
Ten Hag is in a tight spot as the new season kicks off with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over his defensive line-up.
The manager faces a critical challenge with Luke Shaw’s availability still uncertain and Tyrell Malacia already ruled out for the opening fixture.
This predicament could push the Dutchman into a bold gamble, with 17-year-old Harry Amass potentially stepping into the left-back role.
The rising star joined United from Watford last year and impressed everyone at the youth level.
Big opportunity for Amass to impress
Amass got a consistent run in United’s senior team in the pre-season. He started all three friendly games in the US.
He is one of the brightest talents in England and has shown glimpses of his skills in pre-season.
Injuries in defence could thrust him into the heart of the action and make him a pivotal figure at Wembley Stadium.
United are eager to sign a new full-back with Noussair Mazraoui at the top of their list.
The Bayern Munich star is predominantly a right-back but can fill in on the opposite side of the defence.
Amass stands on the brink of a monumental opportunity, but the weight of his potential debut is not without its pressures.
The teenager must be mature and precise with his performance to impress United fans and the manager.
He has shown his attacking prowess and penchant for surging forward. However, he needs to focus on the defence more against Man City who will look to target him.
