Manchester United’s Academy Talent Steps Up Amid Injury Crisis
With Manchester United’s squad ravaged by injuries in what has already been a challenging season, the team will have to rely on players from the academy to fill the bench for today’s match against Tottenham Hotspur (4:30pm GMT; 11:30am ET).
Following the news that joint top-scorer Amad could miss the rest of the season, United faces an injury crisis ahead of the game, with Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Toby Collyer also sidelined. Additionally, Lisandro Martinez is expected to be out for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury, while Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, and Mason Mount are still unavailable.
United’s preparations for the Tottenham match have been further disrupted by illnesses affecting Christian Eriksen and Leny Yoro, as well as a disrupted journey to London due to a signal failure on the West Coast Main Line.
However, this presents an opportunity for United’s young talent to gain valuable first-team experience. Let’s take a closer look at the academy players who are expected to be involved this afternoon:
Chido Obi — 17, Striker
Obi, a prolific goalscorer in the Under-18 Premier League, joined United from Arsenal last summer. The Danish-born striker has already made a name for himself, scoring a hat-trick in his debut for the club’s under-18s and replicating that feat against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup. His exceptional talent has attracted the attention of Europe’s top clubs, and it’s only a matter of time before he makes his mark on the first team.
Harry Amass — 17, Left-Back
Amass, a former Watford youth player, signed for United in the summer of 2023. The left-back has impressed with his performances for the under-18 side and has been called up to train with the first team due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Amass, who has represented England at various youth levels, is known for his dribbling ability and desire to get forward, drawing comparisons to Shaw.
Sekou Kone — 18, Defensive Midfielder
Kone, a defensive midfielder, joined United from Malian side Guidars FC last August. The 18-year-old caught the club’s attention with his impressive performances at the Under-17 World Cup, where he helped Mali finish third. United see Kone as a long-term option for the No. 6 position and are working on developing his fitness and physicality to adapt to the rigors of English football.
Jack Moorhouse — 19, Attacking Midfielder
Moorhouse, 19, is set to make his first appearance in United’s first-team squad. The elegant, ball-carrying midfielder made his debut for the club’s under-18s at just 15 years old and has been a standout performer for the under-21s, earning a nomination for the Premier League 2 player of the month award in December.
Elyh Harrison — 18, Goalkeeper
Harrison, an 18-year-old goalkeeper, joined United in the summer of 2022 from Stevenage. He has recently returned from a loan spell at Chester, where he made a strong impression, and was named as an unused substitute for the first team in their recent defeat to Crystal Palace. Harrison is an excellent shot-stopper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and has represented England at youth level.
Jack Fletcher — 17, Attacking Midfielder
The son of United coach Darren Fletcher, 17-year-old Jack Fletcher joined the club’s academy from rivals Manchester City in 2023, alongside his twin brother Tyler. The attacking midfielder has been in impressive form for the under-21s this season and has already been included in the first-team squad on several occasions, though he is yet to make his debut.
Tyler Fredricson – 19, Centre-Back
Fredricson, a 19-year-old centre-back from south Manchester, played a crucial role in United’s FA Youth Cup final success in 2022. He has been a key figure in the club’s under-21 side this season, leading the team as captain.
GO DEEPER
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(Top photos: Chido Obi, left, and Harry Amass; Getty Images)
In conclusion, despite the mounting injury concerns, Manchester United’s academy is ready to step up and provide much-needed reinforcements for the first team. These young talents have already shown their potential, and this opportunity could be the catalyst for them to make their mark on the senior squad. As the team faces a challenging match against Tottenham, the academy players will be eager to seize their chance and prove their worth at the highest level.
