Manchester United's young defender Harry Amass is reportedly considering a significant mid-season loan switch, with a move from Sheffield Wednesday to Stoke City on the cards this January.
From Relegation Battle to Promotion Push
The 18-year-old left-back is currently gaining valuable experience at Hillsborough with Sheffield Wednesday. However, with the Owls facing near-certain relegation to League One after two separate points deductions totalling 18 points, Amass is now weighing up a change of scenery. A switch to the bet365 Stadium would see him trade a fight against the drop for a potential promotion challenge with Stoke City.
Amass joined Manchester United from Watford in 2023 and made his senior debut under manager Ruben Amorim in March of last year. He went on to make five Premier League appearances and two in the Europa League during the 2024/25 campaign before his loan move to Sheffield Wednesday was sanctioned for this season.
Controversy and Clarification
The talented teenager recently found himself at the centre of a minor social media storm after reacting to comments from United boss Amorim. Amass posted a photo of himself with a Sheffield Wednesday Player of the Month award, seemingly in response to Amorim's suggestion that he was "struggling". The post was later deleted after it was clarified that the manager's remarks were related to the club's difficult league position, not the player's personal performance.
Amorim later elaborated on his comments, stating: "I think is the feeling of entitlement that we have in our club. Sometimes strong words is not bad words, sometimes difficult moments is not the bad things for the kids." He emphasised that experiencing different footballing realities, like a relegation scrap, helps young players appreciate their position at a club like Manchester United.
Stoke Lead the Race for His Signature
Despite Wednesday's struggles, Amass has impressed during his time in South Yorkshire, attracting significant interest. According to reports, as many as twelve clubs have shown interest in securing his services for the second half of the season. However, Stoke City, managed by Mark Robins, are now viewed as the frontrunners.
A move to Staffordshire would represent a stark contrast for Amass. Stoke boast the best defensive record in the Championship, having conceded just 23 goals so far. They sit ninth in the table, only three points off the play-off places, and are aiming for a top-flight return for the first time since 2018.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen has expressed a strong desire to keep hold of the defender. "There is a dialogue between the clubs and the agent, so I really hope that we can finalise something soon," Pedersen told reporters. "Of course, we would love to keep him. He has done really, really well."
Despite this, Manchester United are not expected to recall Amass from his loan, but rather facilitate a direct switch between Championship clubs. The decision now rests on where the promising full-back believes he can best continue his development for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
