Manchester United’s latest defensive injury problems could force Michael Carrick into a decision that many supporters have been waiting to see: trust the academy.
Patrick Dorgu was forced off while playing for Denmark with a suspected hamstring problem, while Noussair Mazraoui later suffered an injury during Morocco’s match against Lesotho. The full extent of both injuries remains unclear, but their setbacks have left Carrick with fewer natural options at full-back. (FourFourTwo)
And that is where Jaydan Kamason and Harry Amass suddenly become very interesting.
Kamason could get his chance at right-back
With Mazraoui potentially unavailable, United could look toward 19-year-old Jaydan Kamason as an option on the right side.
Kamason has remained part of United’s young defensive group and signed a new contract with the club earlier this year. (Premier League)
Instead of constantly shifting experienced players into unfamiliar positions, Carrick could give Kamason a genuine opportunity to show whether he is ready for senior football.
Amass could finally get an extended run
On the left, Harry Amass is another name that could suddenly become extremely important.
The 19-year-old has already made his Manchester United first-team debut and returned to the club after spending part of the 2025/26 season on loan. He has also recovered from the serious hamstring injury that interrupted his time at Norwich. (Manchester United)
Amass has already tasted first-team football. Now, the question is whether Carrick is prepared to give him more than just occasional minutes.
This could be the moment to trust the kids
United’s injury situation is certainly frustrating, but it could also create an opportunity.
The club’s history is filled with academy players who became important first-team figures after being trusted at the right moment. Manchester United’s own academy record highlights generations of players such as David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo. (Manchester United)
Kamason and Amass do not need to walk into the team and immediately look like finished products. They need minutes, patience and a manager willing to let them learn.
Carrick now has a difficult squad-management problem, but he also has an opportunity to discover whether two of United’s young defenders can become genuine first-team options.
Could Dorgu and Mazraoui’s injuries accidentally open the door for United’s next academy breakthrough?
The opportunity is there. Now Carrick has to decide whether to take it.
