Manchester United’s head coach Ruben Amorim has strongly hinted that another promising academy talent is nearing his first-team debut.

Rising star Harry Amass has been included in United’s squad for their crucial Europa League clash against Real Sociedad, marking a significant step in his development.

When asked about Amass’s selection in the 18-man squad, Amorim explained (via ManUtd.com):

“Amass is with us today. In the previous match against Fulham, we wanted to include him, but he had just played a full game against Arsenal, so we decided against it.

“We try to balance all the teams and anticipate our substitutions. We understand that bringing in young players is a major step, so we carefully manage their expectations.”

A Golden Opportunity for Amass

At just 17 years old, Amass is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Manchester United’s academy. He has frequently been part of the first-team matchday squads, gaining vital exposure to elite-level football.

Former manager Erik ten Hag previously included him in United’s pre-season tour of the United States. However, despite Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia being sidelined with injuries, Amass was not given a first-team opportunity at the time, with Ten Hag expressing concerns about whether he was physically ready for senior football.

Amorim’s Trust in Amass

Amorim disclosed that he had initially planned to feature Amass in United’s recent match against Fulham. However, with Patrick Dorgu serving a suspension, the manager opted to use Diogo Dalot as a left wing-back instead.

His inclusion in the squad against Real Sociedad indicates Amorim’s growing confidence in the young left-back. While Amass was linked with a loan move in January, United ultimately decided to keep him, unable to find a club with a strong enough development plan for his growth.

With Amorim already handing Chido Obi his debut, Amass could be the next academy talent to make his first senior appearance before the season concludes. Given his immense potential, a breakthrough moment might not be far away.

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has expressed his belief that the upcoming showdown against PSV Eindhoven is a perfect opportunity to shift the narrative surrounding the Gunners’ recent struggles in the Premier League.

The reigning Eredivisie champions will host Arsenal at the Philips Stadion for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 encounter on Tuesday.

Mikel Arteta’s squad has faced challenges in recent matches, particularly with key forwards Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz unavailable due to injuries. Their absence has left Arsenal lacking attacking options, and results have suffered as a result.

In their last three matches, Arsenal have managed just one win, with their only two goals coming from midfielder Mikel Merino, who was deployed as an emergency striker in the final stages of their clash against Leicester City.

Despite this, Timber remains optimistic, insisting that the Champions League offers a fresh opportunity for the Gunners to regain momentum and pursue major silverware in Munich.

“I think the motivation is there,” said Timber. “It’s an incredible competition to be part of. We performed well in the group stage and proved that we have a strong team. Tomorrow is a fantastic game to turn things around and get a win.”

Arsenal dominated their Champions League group, securing six victories in eight matches and finishing third overall in the competition rankings. Their defensive record was among the best, conceding only three goals across all group-stage fixtures.

“It’s always crucial to be solid defensively,” Timber added. “We showed against big teams in the group stage that our defense is strong. But it’s not just the backline—it’s the entire team working together. We’ve been training hard, and we’ll need to be at our best because PSV have a lot of attacking threats.”

While Arsenal’s defense has been impressive, their recent lack of goals has raised concerns among supporters. The absence of key attackers has made their offensive struggles even more pronounced.

“I think we have so much talent in our squad,” Timber noted. “Of course, injuries have hit us hard, especially in attack. But this is a great challenge for us as a team to create chances and find the back of the net. Hopefully, we can show that tomorrow.”

The Dutch defender also shared insights into team discussions ahead of the crucial clash, emphasizing the importance of taking their chances in a knockout format.

“We’ve talked about it—we need to score and win. In the Champions League, you only have two legs, and there’s no room for mistakes. Tomorrow is a must-win.”

Timber joined Arsenal from Ajax in July 2023 but suffered an ACL injury in his Premier League debut, sidelining him for most of the 2023/24 season. Now fully fit, the 23-year-old has reestablished himself in Arteta’s defensive lineup and is set to face a familiar foe in PSV.

“I didn’t have to tell Mikel much because we’ve played here twice in the last two years,” Timber explained. “My teammates already know the quality PSV have. I’ve played against them many times, so I understand how strong they are, especially at home.”

The Dutch giants have shown their strength across all areas of the pitch, and Timber expects a tough challenge.

“PSV have demonstrated their quality, not just in attack but as a complete team. They play great football, and at home, they are particularly dangerous. It’s going to be a tough match, but we’re ready for the challenge.”

Manchester United’s turbulent season hit another setback as they suffered a heartbreaking FA Cup exit at the hands of Fulham, losing on penalties.

With their Premier League campaign falling apart, currently sitting 14th in the table, securing European football via the league seems highly unlikely. This leaves the Europa League as their sole opportunity to salvage the season with silverware and a potential route back to the Champions League.

As the summer transfer window approaches, United are already assessing options to bolster their squad, particularly under the guidance of Ruben Amorim, who is expected to lead a major rebuild.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Red Devils have now set their sights on Sporting CP forward Francisco Trincão as a potential reinforcement in attack.

The 25-year-old winger has a release clause of £66 million in his current contract, which runs until 2027 at the Estádio José Alvalade. Having joined Sporting from Barcelona, the Spanish giants still hold a 50% sell-on clause, making negotiations more complex.

Sporting are reluctant to part ways with Trincão and have already initiated discussions with his representatives over a possible contract extension. However, Manchester United aren’t the only club interested. Reports suggest Manchester City are also in pursuit, with their incoming sporting director, Hugo Viana, eager to bring the Portuguese attacker to the Etihad Stadium.

Trincão primarily operates as a left-footed right-winger and has thrived in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system at Sporting, playing behind Viktor Gyökeres. His versatility allows him to also function as a second striker or attacking midfielder, making him a valuable asset for any top club.

So far this season, he has registered nine goals and 13 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his ability to influence games in the final third. Having previously experienced Premier League football during a loan spell with Wolves, he could seamlessly adapt if he returns to England.

With the summer transfer window looming, should Manchester United make the move and activate Trincão’s £66 million release clause