Manchester United have called up youngsters Jaydan Kamason and Dan Armer to first-team training ahead of their Champions League clash against Como on Wednesday evening.
The club are facing a defensive crisis, with up to ten senior players potentially unavailable for selection. Leny Yoro is suspended after his red card against Atletico Madrid, while Benjamin Sesko, Manuel Ugarte, Tom Heaton and Patrick Dorgu are longer-term injury casualties.
Who is Jaydan Kamason?
Kamason is a 19-year-old defender described as an "attacking full-back" who has risen through the youth ranks of the Manchester United academy. He joined the club in July 2023 from the Academy's Emerging Talent Programme, becoming the first player to sign scholarship forms, and penned a new contract in April to tie him down until 2028, with the option of a further year.
A right-back capable of operating on the opposite flank, Kamason made the matchday squad on four occasions during the 2024-25 Europa League campaign but is yet to make his senior competitive debut. He impressed during pre-season, scoring and providing two assists in the 5-0 friendly win over Rosenborg.
"Last season, unfortunately, I had two injuries," he said. "Hopefully this season will be more positive. I'm just trying to stay fit now and show my ability on the pitch."
Who is Dan Armer?
Armer is a Scotland youth international defender who was named in a senior matchday squad for the first time last week against Atletico Madrid. He did not make an appearance off the bench, but he could be next in line given United's central defensive crisis.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Armer has been compared to Harry Maguire by some supporters due to his running style. As a left-footer, he would give the backline balance, potentially slotting in alongside Maguire if Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven are both ruled out.
"We're not light on numbers, it's good for the likes of Dan to sample it," Carrick said of Armer last week. "He's been around a long time and he's worked so hard to get to this stage."
Marcus Rashford, Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Heaven all missed Tuesday morning's training session at Carrington and are now major doubts. Carrick will provide a full team news update at his news conference on Tuesday evening at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, though Manchester United will not be announcing their squad for Champions League away games this season.
