Manchester United is set to receive €15 million from Aston Villa for young full-back Harry Amass, while former Liverpool physiotherapist Paulo Barreira joins Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff at Old Trafford. Barreira, who has an impressive academic background and a history of working with top clubs like Arsenal and Sporting CP, will take on the role of lead sports scientist, further strengthening United’s backroom setup under Amorim’s management.
Man Utd Set to Receive €15M from Aston Villa for Amass
Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Aston Villa is interested in Harry Amass. The Villans see the 17-year-old Manchester United full-back as a “strategic addition” to bolster their squad in the near future. They are prepared to pay €15 million to secure his services from the Premier League side.
Who is Harry Amass?
Harry Amass has emerged as one of the top young talents in England in recent years. Hailing from London, the promising teenager played for Watford from 2016 to 2023 before joining Manchester United in August 2023.
The 17-year-old has quickly climbed the ranks at Manchester United and now plays for the club’s reserve team. However, he has yet to make his debut with the senior squad, despite training with them for an extended period.
While Amass holds a strong position at Manchester United, other clubs may seek to lure him away if he continues to miss out on first-team opportunities. Recent reports suggest Aston Villa could be among the clubs looking to sign him from Old Trafford.
Aston Villa’s interest in Harry Amass is surprising. The club already strengthened their left-back position in the summer with Ian Maatsen’s arrival from Chelsea. Lucas Digne remains the first-choice left-back in the Premier League, with Maatsen taking on duties in the UEFA Champions League and cup matches.
Despite this, Amass is still on Villa’s radar, with the club willing to offer €15 million for the young Manchester United full-back. However, it’s uncertain whether United would let go of the talented teenager for such a low fee.
Given Amass’ potential and current contract, Manchester United could easily secure more than €15 million for his transfer. As a result, Aston Villa may face a tough challenge to sign him next year. a Premier League Switch on the Horizon?
Who is Paulo Barreira? Ex-Liverpool Coach Joins Man Utd
When Jurgen Klopp revealed he would be departing Liverpool at the end of last season in January, many fans worried it would usher in a period of turmoil for the club.
These concerns weren’t unfounded, as a similar situation unfolded at Manchester United following the departure of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson over a decade ago.
Since 2013, Manchester United has been in a state of near-constant turmoil, with no manager managing to restore the success they enjoyed under Ferguson.
Now, Ruben Amorim, once a candidate for the Liverpool job, has been handed the reins at Old Trafford and is bringing a former Liverpool staff member with him.
Paulo Barreira will join Amorim at Man Utd
In addition to appointing a new manager, Manchester United has made several other key backroom changes, with former Liverpool physiotherapist Paulo Barreira taking on the role of lead sports scientist.
Barreira joined Liverpool in 2011 and worked under Brendan Rodgers until 2014. He also completed his PhD at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), focusing his research on hamstring injury prevention.
After leaving Liverpool, Barreira has worked at Al-Ahli, Al Jazira, Arsenal, and most recently alongside Amorim at Sporting CP.
Barreira is highly regarded both in academia and the football world, and his move to Manchester has received praise from former colleagues at LJMU.
Dr. Mark Robinson, a biomechanics expert at the LJMU Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, told the LJMU website: “Barreira was always a dedicated worker and determined to complete his PhD while juggling a demanding role at Anfield. Paulo continues to produce excellent research, with one of his PhD papers on load monitoring in football receiving an impressive 118 citations.”
While it may be tough for Liverpool fans to see a former Anfield staff member now at Old Trafford, Barreira is unlikely to directly influence Manchester United’s playing style. Meanwhile, Arne Slot will have the opportunity to challenge his new rival, Amorim, when their teams meet at Anfield on January 5.
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