Man Utd have “exceptional” 17-year-old replacement

It has been a tough start for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. He has so far taken charge of 23 games in the hot seat at Old Trafford and has won 11 of those, losing nine and drawing the other three.

There have been some disappointing defeats for the Red Devils in Amorim’s short managerial tenure which includes a dismal 2-0 loss at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace and defeat by the same scoreline away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The adaptation period from Erik ten Hag’s back four system to Amoirm’s back three formation seems like it has taken some time for the Red Devils. In particular, finding the right solution at left wing-back has been an issue.

Man United’s left wing-back options

United have two main options at left wing-back under Amorim. That is not including Luke Shaw, who has sadly been injured for much of the season, and Noussair Mazroaui, who has tended to play more on the right.

Before the January transfer window, Diogo Dalot was the first choice for Amoirm on the left flank.

The Portugal international is a crucial player for United and has played 40 times

across competitions this term. He has played at left wing-back more than any other position, making 14 appearances there this term.

In the January transfer window, the Red Devils signed the first player of the Amorim era, bringing in Patrick Dogu from Italian side Lecce for a reported fee of £25m, plus a further £4.1m in add-ons.

The 20-year-old Denmark international has made a good impression in his four appearances for the club. He has started every game he’s been available for and was described as a “promising player” by football statistician Statman Dave.

However, the Red Devils number 13 was sent off in his most recent outing against Ipswich Town, for a dangerous challenge. That means United will be without him for the next three domestic games, starting with their FA Cup clash on Sunday at home to Fulham.

In Dorgu’s absence, Amorim could turn to an exciting youth prospect and keep Dalot on the left-hand side.

The Man Utd youngster who could replace Dorgu

A couple of weeks ago away to Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim had to call upon several youth players to feature on the bench, in the midst of a shocking injury crisis. Only one of those players, Chido Obi, made his debut, but there was lots of quality involved.

One of the youngsters in the squad was left-back Harry Amass. Once said to be a young player people should look out for by Shaw, Amass is perhaps one of the most highly rated youngsters in the Red Devils academy.

This term for United’s highest age group, the London-born defender has featured 20 times, registering four assists along the way. He has also featured on the bench for the first team six times, including the Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier in February.

That is not the only first-team involvement Amass has had this season. Former boss Erik ten Hag called upon him during pre-season, and the 17-year-old had the opportunity to play four times on their tour.

That included a fantastic 45-minute cameo against Rangers at Murrayfield. As per Sofascore, the teenager had 35 touches of the ball, completed four out of four dribbles, showing his excellent technical quality, and won an impressive seven out of eight attempted duels.

Amass, an England U18 international was described as an “exceptional” talent by Academy Scoop, a page on X dedicated to the Red Devils academy. He is certainly a player who United fans can get excited about.

In the absence of Dorgu, and the interest of keeping balance to the team with Dalot on the right, perhaps Amorim will turn to the youngster to play at left wing-back. He is clearly a highly rated prospect, so a step up to first-team level might be next on the cards.