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It has been a tough season domestically for Manchester United with the club currently languishing in 14th position in the Premier League while they exited both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup quite early this time out.
One thing that the club have got right this season is the involvement of Academy stars in the first team with the 20-time English league champions ranking second for minutes afforded to teenagers.
As many as three Carrington graduates have made their senior bow under Ruben Amorim — Chido Obi, Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson.
And more could be on the way after the head coach announced that the team will prioritise the Europa League with the Red Devils being the only team in all of Europe to remain unbeaten up till this point.
Mount impressed with the Academy
Mason Mount, who missed four months of action due to injury, has been impressed with what he has seen from the youngsters and revealed his delight in an interview with club media.
The ex-Chelsea star will not have been used to seeing the senior team being so dependant on the academy at his former club and he pointed out that he has been helping all of them with pointers to try and adapt to the rigours of senior football.
“In the position I’m in now, I feel like I can give them the experience that I have. There’s younger and younger lads coming into the squad now and, obviously, it’s amazing to see.
“I can speak to them about a few different things, especially about playing, but also what they’re doing away from football and at the training ground.
“When you step up to this level, it’s tough, there’s a lot of demands and it can be up and down — that’s football. So, for me to be able to speak to them and give them some help or any tips here or there, I’ll always do that.”
On Amass
He was specifically asked about Amass, who has been a revelation in recent games and the Englishman explained how his confidence was what stood out as soon as he stepped into the dressing room.
“Harry is a top lad. He obviously came into the squad last season and trained with us a few times and we instantly saw what he could do.
“He wasn’t scared and came into training, he was getting the ball, was very good technically and was confident and that’s what we like. As a young player coming into the squad, you want them to be confident enough to step up.
“(Amass) has been brilliant. I see a lot of potential in him. Obviously, I didn’t come on in the game [where Amass made his debut] but seeing him come on, seeing him make his debut was very, very special. I was very proud of him.
“So, after the game, I went over to him and just said well done, I thought he done really well in the game, and there’s plenty more to come from him.”
On midfield talents
Mainoo is someone Mount has been seeing for sometime now and the United No 7 could not stop raving about him. He also spoke glowingly of fellow midfielder Toby Collyer, who has also broken through this term.
“I spoke to Kobbie quite a bit in pre-season and last season. You can see what he’s come in and done. He’s a very, very good player and he’s come to me a few times, just asking about positioning in games, and I’ve given my opinion on where he should go and that’s all he needed!
“The same with Tobes [Collyer]. He’s come in, wanted to be dominant on the ball, wanting to get the ball in every position on the pitch. That’s exactly what we want in games. No matter what game you’re playing – if it’s a derby – I know that he’ll come on and want the ball.
“I see potential in a lot of the young lads coming up to train with us, so it’s amazing for them to come in and be in and around it. It’s really exciting going forward into this season, next year and moving on. It’s a great many years to come that I think will be very successful.”
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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