Manchester United touched down in the US earlier this week ahead of their pre-season tour, which will see them take on tough tests against Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool. Several exciting young talents have been included in the squad, but which players should you look out for as Ten Hag's side prepare for the upcoming season?
Amad Diallo
Diallo is one of the most exciting young players at the club, having shown flashes of brilliance since joining United from Serie A side Atalanta in 2021 despite struggling for consistent first-team opportunities at Old Trafford.
Following a fantastic loan spell in the Championship with Sunderland in the 2022/23 season, the 22-year-old winger returned to United ahead of the 2023/24 season, ready to make an impact at Old Trafford. However, Diallo's season was derailed by a knee injury which put him out of action for 27 games, limiting him to 12 appearances last season.
However, during those 12 appearances, the winger caught the eye of the Old Trafford crowd, as he finished the season strongly with some exciting play down the right flank.
The highlight of Diallo's United career to date came back in March when he scored a dramatic extra-time winner to complete a stunning comeback for the Red Devils against bitter rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final. Diallo also put in a top-class performance against Newcastle in May, scoring in United's 3-2 win and looking a constant threat down the right wing as he ended the season with a string of energetic performances.
Following a strong end to 2023/24, the winger has continued his impressive form into pre-season. Diallo started in United's pre-season clash against Rangers last Saturday and was arguably the best player on the pitch, scoring the first of two goals for the Reds as United secured a 2-0 win.
The 2024/25 season will be a crucial season for Diallo to prove himself at Old Trafford. Following the recent victory over Rangers, Ten Hag challenged the 22-year-old to make it his year, as he looks to solidify a spot in United's starting 11.
The US tour represents a fantastic opportunity for the former Atalanta youngster to stake his claim to start for United in their season opener against Fulham on August 16.
Toby Collyer
Collyer, a player who is highly regarded by Ten Hag, recently signed a new long-term contract with United, extending his stay at the club until 2027 with the option of a further year.
Since joining the club from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022, the 20-year-old has steadily progressed through the ranks, demonstrating composure on the ball and tactical awareness in the middle of the park.
His impressive performances for United's Under-18 and Under-21 sides have caught the eye of coaches and fans, and pre-season offers a crucial opportunity for him to showcase his abilities with the first team.
With Manchester United's midfield in need of fresh energy, with Kobbie Mainoo on an extended break after representing England at Euro 2024 and uncertainties surrounding the futures of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, Collyer’s presence on the tour is a chance for him to make a compelling case for inclusion in the senior squad for the upcoming season, making him an exciting prospect to follow.
Harry Amass
Harry Amass is another exciting talent to watch out for on Manchester United's pre-season tour of the US.
The young left-back, who joined United from Watford in 2023, has impressed during his time in Manchester with his impressive defensive capabilities, strong tackling, and ability to support the attack with surging runs down the flank.
His technical skills, combined with a mature understanding of the game for his age, make him an exciting prospect. Not only does he possess the physical attributes needed for a modern full-back, but his composure and decision-making also set him apart from his peers.
Amass, who was included as a substitute in United's 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Old Trafford in the Premier League back in April, is yet to make his first-team debut. However, he has featured in both of United's pre-season fixtures so far and will be looking to continue this run against Arsenal in Los Angeles this Saturday.
Amass' talent earned him a spot in Watford's matchday squad for an FA Cup match against Reading when he was just 15. His ascent has been swift since joining United, with Ten Hag having him train with the first-team squad in February, before his 17th birthday.
With Luke Shaw, a player who Amass has been likened to due to his similar playing style, absent from the tour due to his Euro 2024 exploits and Tyrell Malacia still injured, there's an opportunity for either Amass or Sam Murray, another young full-back to step in at left-back for the tour.
The pre-season tour presents a valuable opportunity for the England Under-17 international to test himself against higher-level opposition, gain invaluable experience, and make a compelling case for his inclusion in the first-team setup. A standout pre-season could propel him into greater prominence within the squad, highlighting him as one of the club's brightest young talents.
Ethan Wheatley
Wheatley, who hails from Stockport, made his senior debut against Sheffield United back in April and became the 250th academy graduate to play for the Red Devils.
At just 18 years old, Wheatley has been with United since he was a youngster and inked his first contract with the club at the age of 16 in 2022. Known for his goalscoring prowess, Wheatley netted an impressive 22 goals last season while playing for United's Under-18s and Under-21 sides.
Standing at over 6 feet tall, the youngster poses a strong aerial threat and is capable of scoring with both feet. His intelligent movement, knack for finding dangerous positions, and predatory instincts in the box make him a promising talent for the future.
United have recently added another striker to their ranks with the signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, while Rasmus Højlund has taken the number nine shirt for the season ahead following the departure of Anthony Martial from the club.
Wheatley faces stiff competition in his bid for first-team minutes, however, the tour will provide a huge opportunity for the 18-year-old to gain more first-team minutes, in an attempt to cement a spot in United's first-team squad for the season ahead.
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