Manchester United’s rising young stars need only look at England’s Euro 2024 squad to show them how quickly they can make it to the top.
Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer, two of England’s stand-out performers as Gareth Southgate’s side came agonisingly close to Euros glory, have both enjoyed meteoric rises.
A year ago, Palmer scored for Manchester City in the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup, before moving to Chelsea, where he scored 25 goals in an outstanding debut season.
Palmer’s heroics for Chelsea earned him a call-up to Southgate’s England squad, where he continued his heroics, scoring in a penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland and in the final against Spain.
Mainoo did not feature for United until last November, after suffering an injury in pre-season, but swiftly established himself as a starter for Erik ten Hag and for England at Euro 2024. A trio of United youngsters – Harry Amass, Toby Collyer and Ethan Wheatley – have impressed on the club’s three-game US tour, after being given significant game time by boss Ten Hag.
With injuries to some players and others on extended breaks after Euro 20204, they may get their chance to shine in next weekend’s Community Shield against City at Wembley. With Luke Shaw not yet back for pre-season after featuring for England at the Euros and Tyrrell Malacia still out long-term, 17-year-old left-back Amass is in the frame to start against City.
“If the opportunity comes, I’ve got to take it with both hands,” said Amass, after United’s 3-2 win over Real Betis in San Diego. “It could change my career. I’m just waiting for that moment and I’m ready. It’s a good experience. Being with good players, you learn a lot, just giving you information and details in the training room every day. It’s a valuable experience and I’m enjoying it.”
