Tracking Man Utd’s 14 academy loanees after Ruben Amorim’s savage admission
Ruben Amorim claims some of Manchester United’s academy players were promoted to the senior squad prematurely as Daily Star Sport now looks at how the Red Devils’ young loanees are getting on
Ruben Amorim’s harsh assessment of Manchester United’s academy players has not gone down well.
The United head coach has come under fire recently for not providing enough opportunities to homegrown talent during his gruelling 13-month tenure at Old Trafford. This includes fan favourite Kobbie Mainoo, aged 20, who is finding it hard to get game time this season.
Amorim has only given three young players their United debuts – Tyler Fredricson, Harry Amass and Chido Obi – and now claims that two of these three, along with Toby Collyer, who debuted under Erik ten Hag, were promoted to the first team too soon.
Amorim said: “He (Collyer) played (for United). He’s from the academy. He played here. He went to West Bromwich. He’s not playing. He played for Manchester United. So sometimes it’s not because he’s from the academy or whatever.
“It’s the situation, what’s happened. I don’t know what is going to be the future (for Mainoo). Let’s see after this match. Amass is now struggling in the Championship. Chido is not always a starter in under-21s. All these guys played when a lot of people were saying sack the manager!”
His comments have infuriated a portion of United fans, who believe their manager has thrown young players under the bus. Daily Star Sport now takes a look at how the 14 youngsters currently on loan from United are performing this season.
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Ethan Ennis – Fleetwood Town
Ethan Ennis spent the second half of last season with promotion-winning Doncaster Rovers. The 21-year-old joined Fleetwood on a season-long deal for this campaign and he has played 20 games. The right-winger has already contributed four goals and two assists during his positive loan spell in League Two.
Dan Gore – Rotherham United
Midfielder Dan Gore picked up an injury shortly after signing for Rotherham last January but he made a strong impression in the time he was available, so he was re-signed for this season. The 21-year-old has since become a key figure in Rotherham’s midfield, featuring in 26 matches across all competitions for the League One side and emerging as one of their standout players.
Harry Amass – Sheffield Wednesday
Left-sided defender Harry Amass has been a regular since joining Sheffield Wednesday on loan this season. Amorim was likely referencing Wednesday’s off-field troubles, with the club having been hit with a 12-point deduction, as opposed to Amass’ own performances during his controversial press conference.
The 18-year-old left-back has made 16 appearances in the Championship and scored his first senior goal against Southampton. Sheffield Wednesday are keen to extend his loan until the end of the season, indicating they’re pleased with his contributions so far.
Elyh Harrison – Shrewsbury Town
After sitting out the first two matches of the League Two season due to a minor injury, Elyh Harrison featured in the next four games for Shrewsbury Town before joining England’s Under-20s in September. However, since his absence in September, another young goalkeeper has stepped up and claimed the number one spot over the 19-year-old Harrison.
Joe Hugill – Barnet
Joe Hugill kicked off the season as Barnet’s lead striker in League Two but an injury brought a halt to his campaign and he didn’t make his return until earlier this month. The 22-year-old made a substitute appearance against Bristol Rovers and clocked up an additional seven minutes in the defeat to Chesterfield.
Sonny Aljofree – Notts County
Centre-back Sonny Aljofree was in Notts County’s starting line-up for the first eight matches of the season and even netted a goal but he lost his spot towards the end of September. Since then, the 20-year-old has been largely absent from the matchday squad.
Toby Collyer – West Brom
Meanwhile, Toby Collyer is back at United receiving treatment for an injury after making 12 appearances while on loan at West Bromwich Albion. The 21-year-old central midfielder played in each of West Brom’s first nine matches of the season but has since been in and out of the team due to a muscle issue.
Louis Jackson – Solihull Moors
Solihull Moors find themselves sitting in mid-table in the National League. Louis Jackson featured in their opening two fixtures of the campaign but has since found it difficult to secure a place in the starting eleven. The centre-back, 20, has been absent from their last eight matchday squads.
Enzo Kana-Biyik – Lausanne-Sport
Enzo Kana-Biyik, 18, scored his first senior goal in October when he salvaged a point for Lausanne in a local derby and was called up to France’s Under-20 squad for the November international break. The striker has featured 13 times for the Swiss outfit, mainly as a substitute.
Radek Vitek – Bristol City
Radek Vitek has been between the sticks for every Championship fixture for Bristol City, recording seven clean sheets. The 22-year-old Czech has caught the eye, with Bristol City boss Gerhard Struber telling the Bristol Post: “He’s young, and he looks like an outstanding, experienced Championship goalkeeper.”
Jack Moorhouse – Leyton Orient
Jack Moorhouse has turned out 18 times for League One outfit Leyton Orient, though only five of those appearances have been league starts. Yet, the 20-year-old midfielder has shown glimpses of his quality coming off the bench.
Habeeb Ogunneye – Newport County
Habeeb Ogunneye’s progress at Newport County has been impacted by the recent exit of Dave Hughes, who was previously his coach at United’s academy. After a promising start to the season, during which the 20-year-old right-back featured in 21 games and scored once, he has been absent from the last two matchday squads.
Ethan Wheatley – Northampton Town
Ethan Wheatley, 19, needed to leave on loan after outgrowing academy football. The young forward has made 19 appearances in League One for Northampton, scoring three times and providing three assists across all competitions.
Ethan Williams – Falkirk
Ethan Williams is performing well north of the border. The 21-year-old winger has contributed a goal and three assists in 14 appearances in the Scottish Premiership for Falkirk, who are exceeding expectations by sitting seventh in the table. However, he has not been included in the last four matchday squads.
