Harry Amass could emerge as the biggest winner from the frustrating Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui injury updates during this September international break.
Honestly, the break has been a nightmare for the Red Devils on the injury front.
Injuries pile up
It started with Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford withdrawing from international duty. Dorgu then limped off in the 29th minute of Denmark’s 2-0 Nations League win over Wales with what appeared to be another hamstring injury.
Last season, a hamstring problem kept him out for 92 days and cost him 12 games, so hopefully this one is not as bad. Alongside Dorgu, there was a worry that Bruno Fernandes was injured, but those fears have since been allayed.
On Tuesday evening, however, Mazraoui was substituted in the 69th minute of Morocco’s game against Lesotho with an injury. Losing him days after Dorgu is not good news for United’s defence.
Left-back most affected
While the right-back position is also affected, the left-back role is in the trickiest situation. Shaw has just returned from injury, and with United’s fixtures piling up after the break, playing him every three days may quickly see him join Dorgu and Mazraoui on the treatment table.
Times like this expose how ill-advised it was for INEOS not to pursue a left-back signing. Still, there is nothing they can do about that now, so they must work with what they have.
Harry Amass’s chance
Michael Carrick can no longer ignore Amass as a left-back option.
A decent showing under Ruben Amorim, a strong spell at Sheffield Wednesday, and a promising summer 2026 pre-season should leave him capable of doing a solid job for United. If given the chance, he must take it and kick on.
Dubbed “fearless” and “aggressive”, Amass has the mettle to cope with the intensity of the Premier League. His exceptional composure on the ball, tight-space dribbling, and progressive build-up play could, in the next few weeks, make him a strong alternative to Shaw.
Recently, there were claims that United could sell Amass if he fails to prove himself this season. Many who saw that report were left wondering how he could prove himself when he is not being given a chance.
That opportunity is now presenting itself, and hopefully Carrick is bold enough to give it to him.
Doing so could change everything. Amass could prove his worth, or United could boost his value and sell him for a decent fee, something that may not be possible if he continues warming the bench.
Feature image David Lidstrom via Getty Images
