With young starlet Kobbie Mainoo’s electrifying performance in the FA Cup final still fresh in the minds of Manchester United fans everywhere, the Red Devils have reportedly set their sights on grooming two more budding talents to follow in the teenager’s footsteps. With Mainoo’s meteoric rise through the club’s youth ranks capturing the hearts of Old Trafford faithful, United’s board has been forced to take notice, identifying two promising players from their academy that they believe could be the next big things at the Theatre of Dreams.
Manchester United have pinpointed two promising young players who could soon join the first team, following in the footsteps of Kobbie Mainoo. Mainoo, who made his Premier League debut at 19 against Everton in November and scored the decisive goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, has quickly become an essential player for Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Mainoo’s ascent was briefly hindered by a pre-season injury against Real Madrid, but once he joined the team, his talent shone through. Over the season, Mainoo established himself as a standout performer for United, securing his spot in the lineup.
As the club prepares for the next season, they are focusing on bringing more young players into the first team. A report from The Telegraph reveals that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has introduced new profit and sustainability rules (PSR), which will require the manager to significantly cut net spending and prioritize youth development. Ratcliffe, along with his INEOS team, is currently reviewing Erik ten Hag’s position, and the manager will need to work within a tighter budget going forward. This strategic shift highlights the importance of integrating young talent into the first team.
Among the young prospects being considered are Toby Collyer and Harry Amass. After the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, Ten Hag had an in-depth discussion with Collyer, a 20-year-old who had traveled with the squad. The England youth international, who plays as a deep-lying midfielder, has been with United’s Under-21 team since moving from Brighton in 2022 and is seen as a strong candidate for the first team.
Harry Amass, another highly-rated young player, also shows great promise. Despite only turning 17 in March, he was named on the first-team bench seven times last season. Amass, a left-back, played a pivotal role in the Under-18s’ treble-winning side last season, demonstrating his potential.
Although neither Collyer nor Amass has made their first-team debut yet, they are expected to have chances during the upcoming pre-season tour. This period will be critical for them and other academy players at Carrington to make an impression on the coaching staff and earn a spot in the first-team squad.
The club’s renewed focus on developing young talent comes in response to financial constraints driven by Ratcliffe’s new rules. As Manchester United adapts to this new era, the emphasis on youth development could bring about the emergence of the next generation of stars, with Collyer and Amass leading the charge.
