Andy Cole names two Manchester United youngsters who impressed during pre-season

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has named two young players who impressed him during pre-season this summer.

The Reds are currently preparing for the Community Shield against Man City and the squad has already been hit with injury woes.

While results during pre-season were mixed, Cole has reflected on how academy duo Toby Collyer and Harry Amass took their chances when called upon by Erik ten Hag.

“At the back end of last season, he was a player that everybody was talking about for this upcoming campaign,” Cole told Betfred Insights when asked about Collyer. “Naturally, it all depends on the amount of players that Manchester United have in their midfield, but he has a great chance.

“Watching him against Liverpool in pre-season, I thought he played really well and he’s done that in the other games he’s participated in too. He’s rated very highly and if he’s not going to play a lot at Manchester United this season, then allowing him to go on loan would be a very good idea, but it all depends on what the club are looking to do in that area of the squad and whether they’re looking to bring in another central-midfielder. If they are, then there’s a good chance he could go out on loan and gain some experience, but I definitely believe he has a big future at Manchester United.”

Cole was also asked whether Amass should remain part of the first team.

“You’ve got to be ready, it’s that simple,” Cole added. “Injuries at Manchester United have picked up, but whether the club wants to bring in a new full-back is another question. I think what he has done in pre-season has been very, very positive, so for me personally, looking at the tour and where the players are at, it was a good pre-season with lots of positives. Of course the injuries were negative but overall, I think everyone will be very happy with how the tour went.

“Pre-season is all about getting everyone fit to a certain extent, but more importantly, you’re looking at performances and if you look at the performances in general, they were really good. We will have to wait and see who remains with the first-team squad, but I think everyone is going into this new season in good form.”

Amass is likely to start to Community Shield against Man City on Saturday, with Luke Shaw listed as a double for the trip to Wembley.

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