Manchester United’s under-21 squad saw a significant lineup change last night as they faced off against Brighton, marking an eventful match that ended in a 1-1 draw. Harry Amass stood out as a standout player for the young Red Devils, drawing praise for his performance.
The match was an engaging affair that Manchester United’s youthful side could have easily won. However, they were denied victory after conceding a second-half equalizer from a set piece, following Amass’s earlier effort that saw the team take a 1-0 lead due to an own goal.
One notable aspect of the game was the inclusion of Rhys Bennett in the starting lineup, despite currently being on loan at Stockport County. Bennett had previously captained the FA Youth Cup-winning Manchester United under-18s team in 2022, with Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho playing pivotal roles alongside him.
Bennett initially made an impression in United’s initial pre-season fixture before sustaining an injury that sidelined him for the USA tour. Subsequently, United secured Jonny Evans on a short-term deal, eventually leading to a permanent move. Bennett returned to fitness in September to join the under-21s squad, later embarking on a loan spell to Stockport County in January.
However, his time at Stockport has been less than ideal, struggling to secure a regular spot in the team. With only two appearances on the bench and one start, notably in a 4-0 loss to Tranmere in February, Bennett has found it challenging to make his mark. He has not featured in any matchday squad since then, indicating a lack of clear plans for him in Stockport’s lineup.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his loan spell, Bennett returned to the under-21s lineup last night to gain valuable game time, completing the full 90 minutes. This marked his first appearance at any level in two months, showcasing his determination to stay competitive.
Manchester United currently face a crisis in their centre-back positions due to injuries to Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, and Luke Shaw. In response, 19-year-old Willy Kambwala has stepped up admirably to fill the gap, putting Bennett at risk of falling behind in the pecking order.
A similar situation unfolded in 2016 with James Wilson, who was out on loan when Manchester United urgently needed a striker, leading to Marcus Rashford’s breakthrough. This history serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football.
Looking ahead, there is a potential scenario where either Harry Maguire or Kambwala could sustain injuries, leaving United in a vulnerable position. However, Bennett would not be able to step in, as players loaned out in January, even if the loan is ended prematurely, are ineligible to feature for the first team in Premier League or FA Cup competitions within the same season.
Another player facing a similar predicament is midfielder Maxi Oyedele, whose loan spell at Forest Green Rovers has seemingly ended. For the past month, Oyedele has been back at United, participating in academy football as he awaits clarity on his next steps.