After Portugal’s quarterfinal exit to France at Euro 2024, Ronaldo has been savouring his summer vacation. After a lackluster performance in which he went scoreless in the competition, many began to doubt the 39-year-old’s worth to Roberto Martinez’s squad. Regardless, the ex-Real Madrid star appeared in fantastic form and couldn’t contain his excitement to be back at Al-Nassr this week.
He posted a series of photographs on Instagram showing himself working with Al-Nassr and the caption: “Back where I belong! 💪🏼.”Even though Ronaldo’s skills are supposedly waning as he approaches 40 years old—which is understandable—the former Manchester United player has been extremely productive in the Saudi Pro League. He scored 50 goals in 51 games last season and 14 in 19 games the season before that. Thus, it is evident that he still has much to offer Al-Nassr.
Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s team, will face Al-Taawoun in the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals on August 14. Then, eight days later, Al-Raed will be the first opponent in the new Saudi Pro League season. In the next term, they want to improve upon their second-place performance.
This season, which 17-year-old might play a pivotal part for Manchester United?
After an extended vacation due to his role with England at Euro 2024, Manchester United’s left defender Luke Shaw returned to Carrington on Monday for pre-season training.
The 29-year-old was picked to the squad despite not being expected to play a role at the European Championship owing to his injury history with Manchester United last season. Despite this, he made three appearances, including the entire final against Spain, a match that Gareth Southgate’s team ultimately lost 2-1.
However, Shaw has been out since mid-February with a muscle ailment that kept him out of action at the conclusion of last season; his history of injuries is cause for concern.
The 17-year-old Harry Amass could make his competitive debut for the 20-time English champions on Saturday against Manchester City in the Community Shield. Tyrell Malacia is still healing from a significant knee injury, so it would be surprising to see him start, given his lack of play.
United have used Amass in all five of their preseason matches, and he started each of their three meetings in the US against Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool, making a strong impression in each.”He is not that far along now as Kobbie Mainoo was at this moment, but if we train him well and coach him well, then it’s possible that he can be at that point in three months,” remarks Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, in response to a recent question regarding Amass.
At this point in time, though, he must play catch-up and acquire some of the abilities necessary to play for Manchester United, when we are vying for the league title. But with great talent, things may move fast, and it will be fascinating to watch if he can pull this off.
Amass is a thrilling full-back prospect who was seen as a potential star at Watford’s academy. He boasts poise on the ball, great positioning, and intense tackles.
Even though he was a first-team substitute seven times last season after signing with Man Utd in August, the adolescent defender has not yet played a game for the club.Although starting Amass at fullback at Wembley would be a huge step for the youngster, Ten Hag will be carefully considering the possibility. Amass would be making his senior debut on Saturday against Man City.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Shaw’s long-term fitness and the lack of assurances regarding Malacia, it would not be surprising to see Amass, despite his youth and lack of experience, regularly starting at left back during the 2024–25 season.
The Englishman Mainoo quickly became one of the first names on Ten Hag’s team sheet after settling into life with Man United’s first team when given the chance.
Even Amass, who stated to reporters on the US Tour, “It’s probably happened quicker than I expected,” proved he could pull off the same feat. You have to seize the opportunity when it presents itself because, well, that’s just the game. Injuries may happen at any moment.It doesn’t matter if you’re younger or smaller than your opponent; what matters is that you display aggression and refuse to back down.
There have been no discussions as of yet, but I will use the preseason to demonstrate my abilities in the event that I am selected. I intend to play on the first team for this club once Luke and Tyrell return, but we’ll see what happens then. It might be the turning point in my career, so I need to seize the chance if it presents itself.
Though they are concentrating on adding a central midfielder and another center defender, Manchester United would ideally seek out additional left back insurance.
The club is clearly excited about Amass’s potential, but Ten Hag will be cautious not to place too much burden on the shoulders of a 17-year-old defender.