[In Absentia]

I actually feel the opposite, you can only learn so much in training. He'll develop much quicker playing week in week out in a competitive environment suitable to his level against grown men. Of course, loans don't always work out and we haven't been the best at them, but we now have footbaling people in the new structure who would know what to do. I think the key is how Malacia recovers, because if he's fit, then he'll always be ahead in the pecking order.

Our loans hardly ever work out, and with the best talents, it’s often better just to keep them with the squad and bring them in. If Amass gets minutes this season at United (which he likely will), then he's doing well. City kept Foden, refusing to loan him, because they thought he was best off training with them. Rico Lewis, too.

 

[RedC]

Only saw the first half, but he doesn't look great at defending.

 

[CallyRed]

Only saw the first half, but he doesn't look great at defending.

Will fit like a glove then

 

[Litch]

Not even close to starting. Reminds me of a winger that converted to full back. His biggest problem is he switches off and can end up ball watching....

 

[next_number_seven]

Not even close to starting. Reminds me of a winger that converted to full back. His biggest problem is he switches off and can end up ball watching....

He's only 17

 

[Godfather]

He's only 17

That's why he said nowhere near ready to start.

 

[Litch]

He's only 17

So we can't assess a 17 year old? I'm sure Utd are. Not saying he can't improve but it's clear that defensively, he currently switches off.

 

[In Rainbows]

So we can't assess a 17 year old? I'm sure Utd are. Not saying he can't improve but it's clear that defensively, he currently switches off.

You can, but with the view that he can be a quick learner due to this exposure. The attackers at youth level aren't exposing this side of his game, so it's more difficult to self assess and think one needs to improve at something they have no idea they're lacking in.

 

[Devil_forever]

You can, but with the view that he can be a quick learner due to this exposure. The attackers at youth level aren't exposing this side of his game, so it's more difficult to self assess and think one needs to improve at something they have no idea they're lacking in.

ETH even said within 3 months they can get him up to first team standard, keep the lad around until Jan at least and see if he can break through into the first team.

 

[Ekeke]

Played well and the best of our youngsters on the tour. Salah and Bradley is a hard flank to defend and overall more good than bad despite the task.

That said he has a tendancy to switch off when opponents play one twos or when a teammate makes a mistake and gives the ball away he takes the time to gesture his displeasure and stop running. So he needs to cut that out and then he'd be solid.

On the plus side some very nice tackles and determined ball winning when he was switched on and some decent balls into the box and passes like finding Collyer's run into the box.

Think Malacia only has speed on him at this point

 

[Orange Tree]

He should be around the fist team next season. He is still learning and will improve with time especially in defending. Use the money we save on a midfielder instead.

 

[RuudTom83]

3 games in a week will have given him a lot of experience and stuff to work on back at Carrington.

But no need to get overly bothered about pre-season. He is progressing well.

 

[Wrecking ralf]

I think he's decent enough to be a backup this season. Yeah has defensive blips but he also showed some promise. Specifically the one brilliant tackle on Salah. Game time and having our first choice defensive pairing will help him learn the thinks he needs to overcome the limitations he has that are totally normal for a lad his age. I'd guess Shaw will be fit for the start of the season after coming back at the euros so having Amass as backup will be fine.

 

[Red-17]

Played well and the best of our youngsters on the tour. Salah and Bradley is a hard flank to defend and overall more good than bad despite the task.

That said he has a tendancy to switch off when opponents play one twos or when a teammate makes a mistake and gives the ball away he takes the time to gesture his displeasure and stop running. So he needs to cut that out and then he'd be solid.

On the plus side some very nice tackles and determined ball winning when he was switched on and some decent balls into the box and passes like finding Collyer's run into the box.

Think Malacia only has speed on him at this point

Amass looked quite quick a few times closing down Salah yesterday, pace certainly doesn't seem to be a weakness for him even if he isn't absolutely rapid. His 1v1 defending has looked quite solid, certainly much better than Dalot looked when he joined us, but he certainly does need to keep his head on a swivel because PL wingers will take advantage of his ball watching time after time. Seems like he needs a center back who is constantly on him the entire match to keep him engaged.

 

[bosnian_red]

He really is a mini Luke Shaw. Not ready for premier league football yet but will be a top player

 

[Based Adnan]

It's a positive sign that he's shown improvement game to game in the limited games he's played

 

[Davie Moyes]

Not ready yet defensively, however on the ball he looks like a baller. I've been impressed by what I've seen so far.

 

[Globule]

He looks good at winning the ball back, it's specifically his positioning that needs to improve.

I'd be comfortable with him being given first team opportunities. Who knows what state Malacia will be in when he returns, and even in his first season he had similar issues with positioning.

 

[DOTA]

He'd be good against opposition that refuses to pass the halfway line but we don't play many games like that.

 

[saik]

He's getting more comfortable at this level with each passing game which is great to see. Showing what he used to show for the u-18s. As a 17-year old, he shut down one of the most dangerous wide forwards in Salah multiple times during the game. I've raved about his attacking game previously as it's already at a high level and his crossing is measured too not like the aimless ones we see from the guy on the other side.

Crazy to think he was still 16 in March. Lad has massive massive potential and I think he's ready to play a part this season. If not this season, then next season definitely, similar to how Mainoo and Garnacho were integrated without ever going out on loan.

 

[Pochard]

Done enough to show we don’t need a left back and he can be our 5th choice full back this season.

 

[Remember the geese]

My left back.

 

[city-puma]

He's getting more comfortable at this level with each passing game which is great to see. Showing what he used to show for the u-18s. As a 17-year old, he shut down one of the most dangerous wide forwards in Salah multiple times during the game. I've raved about his attacking game previously as it's already at a high level and his crossing is measured too not like the aimless ones we see from the guy on the other side.

Crazy to think he was still 16 in March. Lad has massive massive potential and I think he's ready to play a part this season. If not this season, then next season definitely, similar to how Mainoo and Garnacho were integrated without ever going out on loan.

Apparently, he needs to be with first team and is put in a fast-developing program. He can contribute the coming season defensively.

 

[Red Rash]

Looks good. Would have no problem seeing him play against a bottom half team but needs to improve his game a bit against the elite which will come with time. Sounds a bit silly since he's done well against Arsenal and Liverpool but PL football is a different level than pre season

 

[Highfather_24]

Can be used in League Cup, or easy FA Cup/EL ties. Not ready for PL yet, apart from cameos in my opinion.

 

[saik]

Apparently, he needs to be with first team and is put in a fast-developing program. He can contribute the coming season defensively.

Yea, I think it's a bit unfair on the lad as he's being thrust into the first team as a 17-year old out of necessity but I think he can cope. He has all the tools to. I personally would have preferred for him develop at his own pace but it is what it is.

 

[Irwin99]

Can be used in League Cup, or easy FA Cup/EL ties. Not ready for PL yet, apart from cameos in my opinion.

Yeah there's no way Shaw is going to be trusted to play two games in a week after what happened last year and with his injury record in general. The Europa League and easy cup games are where Amass will get his games this season and it will be good for him. Just hope Shaw can actually stay fit for the league campaign.

 

[hellhunter]

Yeah there's no way Shaw is going to be trusted to play two games in a week after what happened last year and with his injury record in general. The Europa League and easy cup games are where Amass will get his games this season and it will be good for him. Just hope Shaw can actually stay fit for the league campaign.

Pretty optimistic considering ETH so far hasn't shown a great desire to rotate

 

[Ali Dia]

He’s going to get a lot of games this season.

 

[Remember the geese]

He’s going to get a lot of games this season.

Do you think so? Shaw is obviously first choice and I assume if he's out, we'll play Mazraoui or Dalot there. I love Amass as a player though. I think he'll be our first choice fullback for a decade.

 

[izec]

Too early for him. He wont play much first team here. Needs another year or two. I would loan him out for half a season, maybe in winter

 

[Dve]

Too early for him. He wont play much first team here. Needs another year or two. I would loan him out for half a season, maybe in winter

Yes, that's the reality. He's been doing very well for a 17 years old, but that's pretty much it.

Edit: I would prehaps not loan him out, though; he could do well with another year in the academy.

 

[Stobzilla]

A loan at 17 is a non starter.
Keep him around the squad,.give him what minutes you can and then explore a loan abroad at 18 once he has had another pre season .

 

[Insanity]

Malacia is defunct, we need Amass to remain with the first team squad. I actually enjoyed his performances in the preseason a lot & felt he grew with each game. He still has a lot to learn in terms of his defensive nous and also needs to improve on his concentration, but I think he'll learn & become a solid option for us within the next 6 months. His ability on the ball is a gift that not many players possess.

 

[Wing Attack Plan R]

Amass pocketed Salah the entire match. He's physically robust enough, smart with the ball, gets forward, can whip in a cross. Very promising player, hopefully we don't have to rely on him and instead can play him when it's going to benefit him as well as us.

 

[Dve]

Amass pocketed Salah the entire match. He's physically robust enough, smart with the ball, gets forward, can whip in a cross. Very promising player, hopefully we don't have to rely on him and instead can play him when it's going to benefit him as well as us.

Pluss numerous misplaced passed, and in earlier games, also some dubious positioning and defensive involvements. He's a huge talent - don't get me wrong - but we cannot go into the season with Amass as the back-up plan for an injury prone Shaw. Yes, Dalot can play on the left, but we need to sign a new LB.

 

[Wing Attack Plan R]

Pluss numerous misplaced passed, and in earlier games, also some dubious positioning and defensive involvements. He's a huge talent - don't get me wrong - but we cannot go into the season with Amass as the back-up plan for an injury prone Shaw. Yes, Dalot can play on the left, but we need to sign a new LB.

Thing is, he went from defending against U23s to defending against Salah, who is a very tough customer. He was thrown into the deep end and swam like Michael Phelps. Expectations should be tempered, he will get opportunities, but I think we have bigger fish to fry than another fullback. Our midfield needs sorting, for instance, and while Højlund is injured we have zero goal scorers.

 

[Insanity]

Pluss numerous misplaced passed, and in earlier games, also some dubious positioning and defensive involvements. He's a huge talent - don't get me wrong - but we cannot go into the season with Amass as the back-up plan for an injury prone Shaw. Yes, Dalot can play on the left, but we need to sign a new LB.

I was of the same opinion the entire summer before I saw this kid. If you check my post history I wanted a LB as a priority signing. But I have change my mind after watching him play. I do not believe he needs to go out on loan. I think he'll benefit more by staying in and around the first team. In the meantime, we can use Shaw, Dalot, Mazraoui (arghhh) & Martinez as options.

I still won't mind if we get Ferdi as our FB addition as he can play lb & rb equally well. Though, I'll hold off on getting a specialist first choice LB.

 

[Valencia Shin Crosses]

I find it sort of strange how much he’s been criticized for his defensive faults this preseason. I’d be more surprised if he didn’t have defensive issues considering he’s 17 going up against senior attackers at big clubs.

Give me a prospect that has elite on ball ability going forward but some positioning flaws all day over some teenage defensive stalwart that panics on the ball at the senior level. The former can be taught and developed much easier than the latter

 

[Dve]

Thing is, he went from defending against U23s to defending against Salah, who is a very tough customer. He was thrown into the deep end and swam like Michael Phelps. Expectations should be tempered, he will get opportunities, but I think we have bigger fish to fry than another fullback. Our midfield needs sorting, for instance, and while Højlund is injured we have zero goal scorers.

Hopefully, Rashford, Amad, Fernandes and Zirkzee can provide us with goals, and Højlund won't be out for long. I agree that the midfield is first priority, but we need a left-footed LB that can overlap on the left, and if Shaw get's injured, we cannot rely on a 17 years old week in and week out. Amass is not ready yet, which Ten Hag also seems to realise when saying:

"But in this moment he needs to catch up and he has to develop some of the skills needed to play for Manchester United, when we are competing for the highest position in the league. But with big talent it can go very quickly and it is very interesting to see if he is capable of doing this.”