Amass display for Man Utd could convince Carrick over Man Utd youngster's future

Harry Amass looked solid after being given a chance to impress by Michael Carrick against Leeds which suggests he may still have a future at Manchester United.

The 19-year-old started the pre-season friendly at Croke Park, as United drew 1-1 with Leeds before winning the penalty shootout 5-4.

For Amass, the appearance was another chance to demonstrate that he can provide Carrick with a genuine option at left-back.

The club is set to off-load a series of youth players this month which it doesn't think will make the grade in the first team.

Amass did appear to be in that category but Carrick clearly thinks he deserves a chance to impress.

There is a strong argument that Amass has outgrown academy football.

The England youth international made his United debut shortly after his 18th birthday in March 2025 and subsequently made his first Premier League start against Newcastle.

He then gained valuable senior experience on loan, making 21 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday before an injury disrupted his campaign.

That experience was supposed to help prepare Amass for a sustained challenge for a first-team place at Old Trafford. Instead, his position remains unclear.

Recent reports have suggested United are prepared to allow Amass to leave either on loan or permanently.

There is even uncertainty over whether the club would prefer another temporary move or a permanent sale with protections such as a buy-back clause and sell-on percentage.

That is a significant development for a player who was once viewed as one of the most exciting young defenders coming through Carrington.

Ironically, United's situation at left-back makes Amass' position particularly complicated.

Luke Shaw remains the senior option, while Patrick Dorgu has increasingly been used in a more attacking role.

Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can also provide cover, but United have been exploring the possibility of signing another established left-back.

That could make it difficult for Amass to receive the regular Premier League football he needs.

At 19, a season watching from the sidelines would not be the best thing for his development.

That is why his involvement against Leeds mattered. Every pre-season appearance gives Amass an opportunity to change the conversation around his future.

United know what he can do technically. His ability to attack from full-back and deliver dangerous balls into the final third has always been one of his biggest strengths.

The question is whether he can become reliable enough defensively to play regularly at Premier League level.

A loan could give Amass another full season of senior football without the club giving up on his long-term potential.

A permanent transfer, meanwhile, would allow United to generate a fee from a player who has been with the club since joining from Watford in 2023.

But there is also a risk. Amass is still only 19 and has already shown enough potential to suggest that writing him off now could come back to haunt United.

His appearance against Leeds may not have settled the argument, but it gave him another opportunity to convince Carrick and the club that he deserves to stay.