Carrick hints at loan exit for Amass as Gabriel shines on U-21 debut in 5-0 rout

Michael Carrick has hinted that teenage left-back Harry Amass could depart Manchester United on loan before the transfer window closes, even as the 19-year-old continues to catch the eye in pre-season. The comments came after Amass and 15-year-old JJ Gabriel both stood out in the U-21s’ 5-0 Premier League 2 demolition of Ipswich Town at Leigh Sports Village on Monday.

Amass spent last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday before a mid-season switch to Norwich City, where injury disrupted the second half of his campaign. With Luke Shaw ahead of him in the pecking order and United yet to sign a senior left-back this summer, a further temporary move is now considered more likely than a permanent sale.

“It comes to this stage of the window, and there’s always a little bit where — and this is not just Harry by the way — this is just the stage of the window and putting squads together,” Carrick said. “I think we always try to do the best for each individual player, as well as keeping the group strong. I’ve been really pleased with Harry. He’s done really well. So, let’s see what happens. But he played really well the other night.”

Gabriel, who turned 15 this year, marked his competitive U-21 debut with a goal and two assists, underlining a reputation that has already earned him training time with the first-team squad. Carrick was careful not to overload expectations on a player still physically maturing, but his praise was unambiguous.

“JJ is one of the boys. He’s obviously got a really big talent. He’s trained with us quite a bit. He’s getting experience all the time. He’s physically adapting to each step that he makes, and just continuing his development,” the head coach said.

Carrick was equally effusive about the collective display, describing the performance as one he “really enjoyed” and pointing to the quality and attitude of the group as a whole. For United, the result offers a timely reminder of the depth available in their academy pipeline, even as decisions over senior squad construction continue to run down to the wire.