Manchester United Names Seven Academy Teenagers on Bench for Tottenham Match as Injury Crisis Forces Lineup Changes

Manchester United has been compelled to include seven academy youngsters and another untested teenager on their substitutes bench for today’s match against Tottenham, due to a severe injury crisis.

The Red Devils currently have 11 first team players sidelined with injuries, forcing manager Ruben Amorim to make difficult squad selection decisions ahead of the crucial away fixture against Spurs.

Amad Diallo is the latest key player to be ruled out after suffering an ankle ligament injury, with concerns he may miss the remainder of the season. Kobbie Mainoo is also unavailable due to a muscle strain, while Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer are both injured as well.

Christian Eriksen and Leny Yoro are absent after falling ill before the game. Additionally, Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof all remain on the injury list.

As a result, Amorim has turned to youth, naming eight teenagers in his travelling squad to North London. The average age of the substitutes bench is just 19.45 years, with 30-year-old Victor Lindelof the only player having Premier League experience.

The young academy prospects on the bench are: Elyh Harrison (18), Harry Amass (17), Tyler Fredricson (19), Ayden Heaven (18), Jack Fletcher (18), Sekou Kone (19), Jack Moorhouse (19), and Chido Obi-Martin (17). They will be poised to potentially make their top-flight debuts if called upon.

While seven have progressed through United’s youth system at Carrington, center back Heaven was signed from Arsenal earlier this month.

None of these youth players have made their professional debut for United yet, and would be thrown into a high-pressure situation if they see game time against Tottenham today.

United supporters have been eager to see striker Chido Obi-Martin get an opportunity with the first team, given his prolific goalscoring record at youth level. The Danish teenager, who joined from Arsenal last summer, has netted an impressive 37 goals in 24 U18 Premier League appearances over the past two seasons.

Left-back Amass caught the eye of fans during United’s pre-season tour matches this past summer. The England U18 international was highly rated by previous manager Erik ten Hag, who regularly included him in first team training sessions.

With such an inexperienced bench, United face a major challenge as they take on Tottenham in a crucial Premier League clash today. Amorim will be hoping his depleted squad can rise to the occasion despite the injury crisis.