Harry Amass faces make-or-break Carabao Cup start as United future hangs in the balance

Harry Amass faces one of the most important nights of his fledgling career when Manchester United host Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round at Old Trafford, with the teenage left-back’s long-term future at the club far from guaranteed.

The 19-year-old made his Champions League debut last week, coming off the bench for the final 18 minutes of United’s 4-0 win over Sabah, but he has yet to feature in a Premier League matchday squad this season. With first-choice left-back Luke Shaw sidelined after the weekend defeat to Manchester City, the Carabao Cup tie represents a timely opportunity for Amass to press his case under head coach Michael Carrick.

The stakes are sharpened by what nearly happened in the final days of the summer transfer window. Burnley submitted an offer of around £3.5 million for Amass the day before the deadline, which United rejected — but had the Championship club raised their bid, the academy graduate could now be playing at Turf Moor rather than Old Trafford. United were also open to a senior sale, not just a loan, which underlines the precarious nature of his position despite the club being short of options at left-back.

Amass’s contract expires at the end of this campaign, though United are expected to trigger a one-year extension clause to retain some control over his situation. That option buys time rather than security. A January loan move remains possible if he struggles for minutes, and a permanent exit has not been ruled out.

The left-back picture at United adds further intrigue. Shaw’s own deal runs out at the end of the season, meaning there could theoretically be two vacancies on that flank heading into 2026-27. For Amass, that represents a genuine pathway — but only if he can convince the coaching staff he belongs in first-team contention.

Patrick Dorgu has started in Shaw’s absence but has not fully convinced in either the Sabah or City games, while Noussair Mazraoui is considered cover on the right rather than a natural fit on the left. The Brighton fixture, with its cup context and reduced pressure compared to a league game, looks tailor-made for Amass to get a sustained run-out.

Fellow academy products Shea Lacey and Tyler Fletcher are also pushing for involvement, and the evening carries added background noise following JJ Gabriel’s shock request to leave the club. For Amass, however, the message from those around him is straightforward: take every minute available and make it count.