I witnessed Harry Amass' Man United masterclass eight months ago and he is more than ready

Manchester United have fallen victim to a gruesome record of absences at full-back. Noussair Mazraoui's recent setback means Diogo Dalot is the only available player in that position.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have not featured at all this season meaning Dalot has been a makeshift left-back so far. Now, with Mazraoui set to miss the next few weeks, Erik ten Hag, if he remains in the job, will have to shake-up his defence.

On first impressions, it's expected that Lisandro Martinez will shift over to left-back from centre-back. However, fans will be desperate for academy ace Harry Amass to be given his long-awaited chance.

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After signing from Watford in August 2023, the left-back has attracted plenty of excitement with his displays in the youth team. Amass started each of their three Stateside friendlies in pre-season and earned praise from Ten Hag, supporters and journalists alike.

Frustrations have been apparent that the 17-year-old hasn't played this season. Even when United played Barnsley in the Carabao Cup, he was nowhere to be seen. Fans who have spent their time watching the youth teams have been left beyond shocked that he hasn't featured.

His quality and talent has been there for all to see. In February earlier this year, I was privileged to watch him in the flesh during a Premier League Under-18 fixture at Derby County. United, who had Phil Jones on the coaching staff, drew 2-2 with the Rams and I was fortunate to watch the game due to my previous work in scouting.

Amass started at left-back with James Scanlon ahead of him. He fulfilled all of his defensive responsibilities down the left rather well and bombed forward along the touchline when Scanlon came inside. There was one moment when he showed incredible upper strength to storm past two challenges before playing a teasing ball.

It was clear that he was a confident, hungry footballer. I can remember coming away from Moor Farm Training Ground with high regards to Amass. When he was regularly featuring under Ten Hag in the summer, it was no surprise.

Obviously, Under-18s football is a completely different challenge. Premier League football is a different animal and he will come up against established professionals. In a dream-scenario, Amass comes into the United team for the next two games against Brentford and Fenerbahce and he will face Bryan Mbeumo and Dusan Tadic.

Many believe he is ready for that opportunity. Marcus Rashford broke through when United were short in 2016. Can Amass be the next?