Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been forced to dig deep into the club’s academy talent as injuries ravage his first-team squad ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur. The Portuguese tactician, known for his trust in young players during his time at Sporting Lisbon, has once again demonstrated his commitment to youth development by calling up several academy prospects to bolster the squad.
Injury Woes Mount for United
The Red Devils have endured a torrid week on the injury front, with key players sidelined across multiple positions. Lisandro Martínez, a cornerstone of United’s defence, is set to miss several months after undergoing surgery for an ACL injury. His absence is a significant blow to Amorim’s plans, as Martínez had been a vital figure in the backline since his arrival.
Adding to the defensive woes, Amad Diallo has confirmed that an ankle injury will rule him out for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, midfield options have also been severely depleted. Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Toby Collyer are all sidelined with injuries, leaving Amorim with limited choices in the engine room.
“if you're good enough, you're old enough" pic.twitter.com/luhm0PEVjn
— Manchester_United_Youth (@MUFC_Youth) February 16, 2025
Academy Stars Step Up
With the senior squad stretched thin, Amorim has turned to United’s famed academy for reinforcements. Seven young players have been included in the travelling squad for the match against Tottenham: Elyh Harrison, Harry Amass, Sekou Kone, Tyler Fredricson, Chido Obi, Jack Fletcher, and Jack Moorhouse. Each of these academy stars has been assigned a first-team squad number for the occasion:
- Elyh Harrison – 50
- Harry Amass – 41
- Sekou Kone – 42
- Tyler Fredricson – 55
- Chido Obi – 56
- Jack Fletcher – 57
- Jack Moorhouse – 64
All seven have been named on the bench for Sunday’s fixture. They are joined by January signing Ayden Heaven and senior players Victor Lindelöf and United’s No.26.
Amorim’s Faith in Youth
Ruben Amorim’s track record with young players speaks volumes. During his tenure at Sporting Lisbon, he handed out 27 debuts to academy graduates, a philosophy he has carried into his role at Old Trafford. The current injury crisis has provided an opportunity for United’s next generation to step into the limelight.
Among the youngsters promoted are summer signings Chido Obi and Sekou Kone. Both players have impressed in their short time at the club and now find themselves on the brink of their senior debuts.
Chido Obi: A Rising Star
Chido Obi has been one of the standout performers in United’s youth ranks this season. The forward recently scored a hat-trick for the Under-18s and has consistently caught the eye with his attacking prowess. His promotion to the first team feels like a natural progression given his scintillating form.
Obi will wear the No.56 shirt—previously donned by Charlie McNeill and Anthony Elanga—marking his first steps into senior football. His journey from academy standout to first-team hopeful is a testament to United’s ongoing commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
Sekou Kone: A Midfield Dynamo
Sekou Kone is another exciting prospect who has quickly risen through the ranks since joining United this summer from Malian club Guidars FC for £1.25 million. The dynamic midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kobbie Mainoo for his ability to dictate play and contribute defensively.
Kone will sport the No.42 shirt, following in the footsteps of Paul Pogba and Alvaro Fernandez. His rapid integration into first-team plans highlights just how highly he is regarded within the club.
A New Era of Opportunity
The inclusion of these young players underscores Manchester United’s renewed focus on youth development under Amorim and their post-Ineos takeover strategy of investing in emerging talent. While injuries have forced Amorim’s hand, it also presents an invaluable opportunity for these academy graduates to gain experience at the highest level.
As Manchester United prepare for their clash against Tottenham, fans will be eager to see how these youngsters seize their chance on one of football’s biggest stages. Whether or not they feature prominently on Sunday, their inclusion signals a bright future for both themselves and Manchester United as a whole.
