In the summer of 2014, Manchester United made a major statement by signing 18-year-old Luke Shaw from Southampton for a fee of £27 million.
This acquisition placed Shaw among the most expensive teenage defenders in football history and made him the fourth-highest priced defender at the time, trailing only David Luiz, Thiago Silva, and Rio Ferdinand in terms of transfer fees.
United saw Shaw as a long-term investment, believing he had the potential to become their starting left-back for at least the next decade. Despite encountering various challenges throughout his career, including injuries and periods of inconsistent form, Shaw has proven to be a valuable asset to Manchester United.
Over the years, he has developed into one of the Premier League’s top left-backs and has earned recognition on a global scale for his performances.
Shaw’s contributions to the club are evident in his 275 appearances for Manchester United, and he was named the club’s Player of the Year in 2019. His influence hasn’t been limited to club football, as he has also made a significant impact on the international stage with England.
Most notably, Shaw played a key role for his national team during the 2024 European Championship in Germany, where he started in the final against Spain, helping his team reach the brink of continental glory.
As Shaw approaches his 10th anniversary at Old Trafford, a new young talent is emerging in Manchester United’s ranks—17-year-old Harry Amass. The highly-rated defender is beginning to attract attention and could soon challenge Shaw for the starting left-back spot.
Amass’s rise comes at a time when Manchester United is dealing with a shortage of full-backs due to injuries, offering the teenager an opportunity to step up and make his mark.
Shaw’s absence during much of the pre-season, combined with the prolonged injury of Tyrell Malacia since May 2023, has paved the way for Amass to showcase his abilities. The young defender seized the chance, delivering several impressive performances during United’s pre-season tour.
While United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed reservations about whether Amass is fully ready for regular senior football, the current lack of available full-backs might fast-track his introduction to the first team. Injuries to key defenders like Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, and Malacia have left United in a vulnerable position, potentially opening the door for Amass to make his senior debut sooner than expected.
Despite Ten Hag’s concerns, the young defender’s strong pre-season showings have given hope that he could provide Manchester United with an additional option in defense. With Shaw’s long-term future at the club secure but with his fitness not always guaranteed, Amass represents the next generation of talent who could rise through the ranks and eventually become a fixture in the United backline.
As Shaw reaches the decade milestone of his Manchester United career, the presence of young players like Amass ensures that the competition for the left-back position remains fierce.
Whether Amass is ready for regular first-team action or still requires more development, his emergence signals a new chapter in the evolution of Manchester United’s defensive options.
