This season has been a tough ride for Manchester United, with a string of injuries plaguing the team. The situation has worsened as the season progresses, leaving several players sidelined.
However, there’s been a silver lining for manager Ruben Amorim in the form of United’s legendary academy. The youth system has provided much-needed reinforcements, illustrated perfectly during United’s commanding 3-0 victory over Leicester City on Sunday.
On his 18th birthday, Harry Amass made his first-team debut, joining the fray along with Chido Obi, who made a late appearance against the Foxes. Amass marked a milestone, becoming the 253rd academy graduate to feature in a first-team match for United, while the squad also included Toby Collyer, another fresh face this season.
Three young academy talents took to the field against Leicester. Ayden Heaven made quite an impression during his starting stint at the King Power Stadium, dominating for 51 minutes until an injury forced him off.
According to the club’s official site, United ranks second among Premier League teams for minutes allocated to teenage players. The club, crowned English champions 20 times, has fielded young stars for 2,129 minutes. Tottenham Hotspur, also grappling with injuries, tops the chart with 2,839 minutes.
A significant portion of United’s young player minutes has been amassed by Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro, both of whom are currently injured, highlighting the challenging circumstances for Amorim.
Considering the lengthy injury list, those minutes could rise further. They might have already increased if Andre Onana hadn’t cleared a late fitness test. Due to the absences of Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee and Elyh Harrison were on the bench, ready to step in as goalkeepers if needed.
In the previous season, United came out on top of the list of minutes handed to teenagers, with Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho leading the charge. Currently, Bournemouth is in third place, trailing United by 437 minutes. The list is completed by Southampton, Arsenal, and Brighton.
Most Minutes Allocated to Teenagers:
– Tottenham Hotspur – 2,839 (7 players)
– Manchester United – 2,129 (5 players)
– Bournemouth – 1,692 (3 players)
– Southampton – 1,566 (2 players)
– Arsenal – 1,367 (2 players)
– Brighton – 1,279 (2 players)
Feature image courtesy of Justin Setterfield via Getty Images.
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