Meet Harry Amass, the 18-year-old Manchester United prospect set to step into wing-back role under Ruben Amorim

Who is Harry Amass?

Amass was born in London in 2007 and grew up playing for Watford from age nine.

He never managed to appear for the first team but was named on the bench in January 2023 at just 15. Seven months later, United fought off Chelsea to sign the exciting young defender and he began playing in the U18s.

Harry Amass’ journey at Manchester United

In his first season, Amass was a key member of the team that became U18s Premier League national champions and his performances were noted at a senior level, leading to him training with the first team for the first time early in 2024. He also impressed on United’s pre-season tour in the USA later that year. However, it had not led to a first-team breakthrough and there were rumours he could be loaned out in January 2025.

No move materialised and in March, Patrick Dorgu’s red card suspension gave Amass an opportunity. He was on the bench against Arsenal and made his debut in a cameo in a 3-0 victory over Leicester City on his 18th birthday.

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity and hopefully there’s many more to come,” Amass said after the game.

“It all just fell on the right day, with the 18th birthday, so it’s not a bad one, is it?”

What kind of player is Harry Amass?

Amass plays as a left-back, meaning his most likely role in Ruben Amorim’s system would be in the left wing-back position. Patrick Dorgu has laid claim to that spot since his arrival in January, and Luke Shaw is also set to return from an injury layoff and will be another option.

Amass therefore faces stiff competition for a starting berth – but has already come in for praise. Speaking to Goal on TikTok, Shaw himself named Amass as the young player he thought people should watch out for.

What are Harry Amass’ strengths and weaknesses?

As for why his breakthrough hasn’t come sooner, GIVEMESPORT reported that in spite of Amass’ strong displays in pre-season, Erik ten Hag did not believe he was physically ready to step into the first team.

That suggests it might be physicality that is holding him back, but the teenager is clearly willing to try to match opponents. He said during pre-season tour: “You’ve just got to show your aggressive side – you might be young, smaller than the opponent but you have to show you are aggressive, and don’t back down.”

His playing style has also been described at attacking, which suits a wing-back role. In 2023/24 he registered three assists and a goal in 14 appearances in the U18 Premier League.

How tall is Harry Amass?

Harry Amass is 1.81 metres tall, or 5 feet 11 inches.

Is Harry Amass on social media?

Harry Amass is on Instagram at @harryamass70.