Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has issued a stark warning to his teenage prospects, telling them they must be ready for the intense and hostile atmosphere awaiting them at Elland Road this Sunday.
Youngsters Thrust into the Spotlight
With a squad decimated by injuries and international duty, Amorim has been forced to hand debuts to 18-year-olds Jack Fletcher and Shay Lace, alongside 17-year-old Bendito Mantato in recent matches. The Portuguese coach expects to be without eight first-team players for the trip to face fierce rivals Leeds United.
The absentees include injured stars Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Mason Mount. They are joined by Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo, who are all away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Fletcher has now appeared in United's last three games, while Lacey featured against Aston Villa and Mantato made his bow in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Wolves.
'They Have To Be Ready'
When asked if the young trio could handle the pressure of a hostile away derby, Amorim was unequivocal. "They have to," he stated. "It's a game in a hostile environment, but they need to be ready and they need to experience that. But it's going to be hard for any player. Even the guys with a lot of experience."
He drew parallels with last season's challenging atmosphere at Athletic Bilbao, describing the sound as "amazing". Amorim added: "You can see the squad - it's impossible, we cannot stretch the players. Of course I will try to put a team that is ready to cope with that and then I will try to read the game."
On potential January transfers, Amorim suggested business was unlikely. "The transfer window is not going to change. We have no conversation at this moment to have any change in the squad," said the 40-year-old, confirming that no player has asked to leave.
Transfer Talk: Semenyo Stays Put For Now
In other Premier League news, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Antoine Semenyo is set to play against league leaders Arsenal on Saturday, despite ongoing transfer talks. The Ghana international, who has nine goals this season, is reportedly the subject of a £65m agreement with Manchester City.
"Yes, Antoine is going to play in this match," Iraola said. "I think the idea is that he's going to be available in these two home games. I hope he can be here for more time. But I don't know what's going to happen. There is nothing signed."
Contract News and Manager Moves
In the Women's Super League, Manchester United have secured the futures of key players. The club has exercised options to extend the contracts of England midfielder Ella Toone, Elizabeth Terland, Lisa Naalsund, and Gabby George until 2027.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery revealed he decided two months ago not to trigger the permanent signing of Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott. "We decided two months ago that we are not convinced to sign him, spending the money we would need," Emery explained.
At the foot of the table, Wolves boss Rob Edwards admitted the club will be busy in the January window to try and salvage their season, while Sunderland's Regis Le Bris hailed his side's unbeaten home record after draws with Arsenal and Manchester City.
Finally, London City Lionesses have appointed Spaniard Eder Maestre as their new head coach on a contract until 2028.
