Manchester United return to action in seven days as Michael Carrick looks for improved results. His side currently sit 12th in the Premier League with the international break in full flow.
Prior to the domestic hiatus, Carrick's men had played five top-flight matches and only mustered five points. Their first outing was a 2-0 defeat to Hull City, though a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town followed.
Winless run and cup exit
Since hosting the Tractor Boys, they are winless in the league, drawing against Everton, losing 1-0 to Manchester City and being held 1-1 by Fulham. They were also dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton, but did win their Champions League opener against Sabah FK.
It was in this 4-0 victory that youngster Harry Amass made his Champions League debut. And Carrick has hatched a January plan for the left-back.
Harry Amass plan
Academy graduate Amass was close to leaving United over the summer and was one of a handful of starlets for whom the club was willing to sanction exits. However, he stayed put and has already been given game time by manager Carrick.
It has now been reported that United wish to sign him up for the longer term and are expected to activate the 12-month option in the 19-year-old's current contract. It is then thought that he will be shipped out on loan in January to get some first-team experience.
Amass joined United in 2023 from Watford's academy, snubbing Chelsea in the process. He made his first senior start for the club in April 2025 and last September, joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan. He starred at Hillsborough until January, when his loan deal expired. He was then sent to Norwich City for the remainder of the campaign before returning to Old Trafford after a spell on the sidelines.
Scott McTominay's future in doubt
Since leaving United in August 2024 for Napoli, McTominay has famously thrived. He's won the Scudetto and Supercoppa Italiana and has established himself as a fan favourite.
However, according to Corriere dello Sport, Napoli will have to find a way to get closer in contract negotiations with the Scot. It suggests that talks about a renewal have been underway for months, but both parties are apart in their valuations and McTominay's uncertain future is a major talking point.
"It's not easy, but we're trying," Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna stated last month. Negotiations will renew after the 29-year-old returns to the pitch following surgery for a benign cardiac arrhythmia.
According to the Italian publication, McTominay is seeking £6.8-£7.7m per season until 2030, but this figure is out of the club's budget as things stand. The former United midfielder is thought to want to extend his stay in Naples, but only under the right conditions.
