One of the more intriguing aspects of Manchester United’s first summer under Ineos control is how flexible the Red Devils have been in the transfer market.
After two bids for top target Jarrad Branthwaite were rebuffed by Everton and UEFA blocked a move for Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, the Premier League giants wasted little time in shifting their focus to Matthijs de Ligt.
And, despite being far down the road in discussions with Erik ten Hag’s former Ajax captain, Manchester United quickly placed De Ligt on the backburner once it became apparent that Leny Yoro was willing to put pen to paper at Old Trafford.
Furthermore, Man United went into the summer hoping to sell the likes of Casemiro and Jadon Sancho.
But with offers in short supply, the a more feel-good outlook driven by Ineos has seen Red Devils spend less time wringing their hands and more time thinking about how Casemiro and Sancho can contribute in a positive manner.
Ten Hag confirmed late this week that both players will have a role to play if they stay beyond September.
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The kids are alright at Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United
And then there’s the left-back situation.
A position Man United looked destined to strengthen back in May. But after Harry Amass staked his claim with a few stand-out displays in pre-season, Ineos appear to have decided that the best course of action would not be to bring in a dedicated left-back and instead settle on the versatile Noussair Mazraoui.
Mazraoui, who Fabrizio Romano says is very keen to join from Bayern Munich, will provide depth on either flank and should not block the pathway afforded to 17-year-old Amass.
When quizzed by the Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag spoke in glowing terms about the next generation of Carrington graduates. Alongside Amass, Toby Collyer and James Scanlon are among those who have made a positive impression over in the USA.
“We have to build and we have a group of players who are very talented,” Ten Hag says. “We are happy to have those (young) players and I think also they are really Man United players.
“There are players who have an X-factor but they are young.”
Amass – his scuttling runs down the flank and his fizzing deliveries reminiscent of a young Luke Shaw – was part of the Man United side which stormed to the Under 18 Premier League title last season.
Snapped up from Watford under the noses of Chelsea a year ago, Amass set up an ‘explosive’ Amad Diallo finish during the 3-2 win over Real Betis in midweek.
Harry Amass aims to follow Mainoo and Garnacho
“(Amass and the youngsters) already have the experience of how to win a trophy,” Ten Hag adds. “We have to build on that. But, with young players, it will go with ups and downs and we have to realise that.
“Everyone has to realise this in this club internally but also you (the media) should realise this externally. It’s normal that it will not only go (positively) with young people. Sometimes, they will have a drop off and then it’s about do they have the character to bounce back and to achieve against high levels?”
When pressed on Amass specifically, Ten Hag was keen to temper expectations.
But, after Wembley heroes Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho established themselves as two of the first names on his team sheet, the Man United boss clearly buys into that old mantra.
If you are good enough, you are most certainly good enough.
Come November, might Amass be trusted to feature – or even start – in the Premier League, with Ten Hag expecting to make an assessment three months from now?
“We have to make progress,” Ten Hag adds. “But we all see here a potential where we have seen in previous years. For instance, Garnacho. We had it during last season with Kobbie.
“(Amass) is not that far (along in his development) at this moment. But if we train him well, if we coach him well, then in three months it’s possible that he can be on that point.
“But in this moment he needs to catch up and he has to develop some skills already to play for Manchester United, competing for the highest positions in the league. But with big talent it can go up very quickly.
“That is very interesting to see if he is capable of doing this.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/NXzVtB9