Manchester United decided to keep four young players for depth – but amid a need for it, they have not been used.

Michael Carrick has options at his disposal that he is yet to utilise this season. In the summer he elected to retain Harry Amass, Tyler Fletcher, Jaydan Kamason and Jack Fletcher for squad depth. Only Amass has seen any game time this season – and it has been in very limited quantity.

Carrick’s decision not to use all four players is his prerogative, but it also asks the question – why keep them around?

United denied the quartet loan opportunities in order to keep them active, but with such a limited academy schedule, are their interests being served well?

Shea Lacey has fared slightly better than the below quartet, with one start to his name and four further substitute opportunities. It still only amounts to 88 minutes of football, but he does appear to be somewhat in Carrick’s plans.

Harry Amass

Harry Amass has made two substitute appearances for Manchester United this season, both coming in the Champions League.

On the face of it, making his Champions League debut is a proud achievement for the 19-year-old and should not be knocked. But his involvement came at the end of both games against Sabah and Como, when the result had already been decided.

Michael Carrick has lacked the bravery to play Amass, and has not selected him to play even a single minute in the Premier League, also leaving him out of the Carabao Cup XI.

The treatment is even more frustrating considering the ongoing injury issues for left-back Luke Shaw, who has not played any of United’s past four matches due to injury.

Carrick has preferred to play Ayden Heaven out of position at left-back or switch out Diogo Dalot there, and move Leny Yoro to right-back. It quite clearly suggests he lacks faith in Amass.

Amass has had to drop down to play under-21 football to get game time under his belt.

Tyler Fletcher

Tyler Fletcher went to the World Cup with Scotland after impressing in a pre-tournament friendly, before a spot opened up due to injury. While he did not play in the USA, it was a great opportunity for the youngster.

Fletcher did play for United in pre-season, and largely did well, aside from an awkward moment in the friendly against Leeds where he was caught in possession leading to a goal. This was a learning opportunity for Fletcher – but it is one he has not been allowed to build on.

Fletcher did make his United debut last season under Michael Carrick, but has not played at all in 2026/27. He has made the substitutes bench, but it does not appear as though any chances are set to come his way. A loan move will be necessary for his development.

Jack Fletcher

Jack Fletcher has not played any first team football under Carrick, with his debut coming last season under Ruben Amorim.

While he trains with the first team and remains on the fringes of the squad, he is also going to need a loan to progress his career. Fletcher is versatile, even playing at left-back for the under-21s, but has not been considered there amid the current injury crisis.

He began the under-21 season in excellent form, but with the games so irregular, there has been no chance for him to build any run of consistency.