BREAKING NEWS: Ruben Amorim, the incoming manager of Manchester United, was visibly emotional and in tears after a key player, expected to lead the team in the upcoming Europa League match, was injured during training this morning.

Manchester United has opted not to include young players Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher, or Ethan Wheatley in the squad for their Europa League clash with PAOK at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

The three were absent from United’s open training session at Carrington on Wednesday morning, prompting speculation about their availability. However, United clarified that Amass, Fletcher, and Wheatley will instead participate in the UEFA Youth League, playing for the Under-19 team in their second-leg match against FK Zalgiris.

In their first-leg encounter last month, United’s Under-19 squad triumphed over FK Zalgiris with a commanding 5-2 win. For the second leg, to be held at Leigh Sports Village, Amass and Wheatley have been added to the Under-19 roster, a decision reflecting United’s commitment to developing young talent through competitive European matches. This Youth League focus comes as the senior team gears up for their Europa League game against PAOK.

Amass and Wheatley have been gradually involved with the senior squad in recent weeks. Both were on the bench during United’s previous Europa League match against Fenerbahce, and they, along with Fletcher, have been regulars among the substitutes for recent games. In the last two Premier League matches against Chelsea and Leicester City, another young player, Jayce Fitzgerald, also joined them on the bench, underscoring United’s dedication to grooming future stars.

 

Despite their increased exposure, Amass, Fletcher, and Wheatley were not part of the 25-man training group for Wednesday’s session. Only Daniel Armer and Jack Kingdon, two other youth players, were seen in the media-accessible portion of training, confirming that Amass, Fletcher, and Wheatley will focus on the Youth League match instead of the senior game against PAOK.

Amass is anticipated to start at left-back in tonight’s Youth League fixture, where he’ll have a chance to display his defensive skills as United looks to progress further in the tournament. Wheatley will join an attacking lineup featuring Gabriele Biancheri, Bendito Mantato, and Victor Musa, setting the stage for an exciting match given United’s lead from the first leg.

New addition Sekou Kone, who recently debuted for United’s Under-21 team against Sunderland, may make his Youth League debut tonight, offering a preview of his potential within the club’s youth program.

Another recent recruit, Chido Obi-Martin, will be absent from the lineup, leaving the focus on players like Kone, Amass, and Wheatley, as United’s Under-19 team strives to secure advancement to the next round.