Ruben Amorim to fast-track Man United gems into first XI – Insider
Ruben Amorim is keen to fast-track the promising youngsters in the Man United academy to bolster his first-team squad, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford during their most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that a lack of available funds will see the new boss experiment with youth.
Handing players increased opportunities in training and to become part of United’s matchday squad will provide “invaluable” experience and help in their development.
This came amid speculation over the future of 17-year-old Harry Amass, who Brown told Football Insider is being tipped for a bright future at the club.
Amorim has been tipped to hand the left-back an improved role in the team, while providing a clear pathway for a number of under-21s stars at Old Trafford.
It has been said that he will spend the early stages of his time at United assessing the level of some of the academy players to decide whether they are ready for the step up.
Ruben Amorim to lean on Man United academy talents
Following Amorim’s first training session as the United boss at Carrington, reports have claimed 16-year-old Godwill Kukoni was among the young players involved.
Now, Brown, who has a wealth of experience in player development and recruitment at the top level, has explained that the pathway Kobbie Mainoo took is a display of the opportunities available to some of the young academy players.
“Amorim, I’m told, wants to utilise the academy,” he told Football Insider.
“As soon as he comes in, he’ll be assessing who the best talents are in the academy.
“If he can integrate them into his first-team setup, even just in training, it’ll give them valuable experience and show that the pathway is there.
“The issue with academy football, in my view, is that they run out of space for development. We used to speak about it with Alex Ferguson.
“The under-18s step up into the under-21s, fine, but there isn’t space for a new group every year.
“So, of course, some leave, some are sold, and some step up into the first team.
“Having a manager who is willing to test these players out makes that process much easier, because if he feels they’re ready, I’d expect him to give them a chance.
“Given United’s financial situation at the moment, he may have to turn to these academy players to help strengthen his squad in certain areas.
“We saw what happened with Kobbie Mainoo – he was tested out in pre-season and now he’s a regular for both Man United and England when he’s fit.
“With Amorim coming in, he’ll be trying to find those players who are going to be able to feature.”
In other news, Marcus Rashford has been told what he must do to stay at the club.
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