Fredricson and Amass craving more

The Academy defenders have gained unrivalled experience in 2024/25, not only making their senior debuts but also spending plenty of time around Ruben Amorim's first-team squad.

Both could feature in Friday night's Premier League game at Chelsea and their spirits will be high after landing individual prizes this week.

Fredricson picked up the Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year trophy, while Amass was named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year.

Fredricson has felt prepared for his big call-up, after his grounding with the Academy and experience of playing at Old Trafford with the younger-age sides.

"I think that’s what the club try to do, they try to give us these experiences to give us a head start really," he told us. "It gives a taste of what big games are like, with the crowds and playing at Old Trafford, and that’s helped me. Yeah, it gives you a little bit of confidence and comforting feeling before you step out on the big stage.

"I think the manager’s put his trust into me to go and play. So I think you can only do that from what he’s seen and that’s how I play. So I think it’s massive to just go in there and try to be yourself and play how you normally do. Hopefully, it goes well.”

Amass has slotted in well at left wing-back and enjoyed the incredible experience of being on the pitch for the dramatic comeback against Lyon in the Europa League, en route to Wednesday's final against Tottenham Hotspur.

"Yeah, the memories will definitely last a lifetime," he explained. "It was an unreal experience. It’s just a brilliant memory.

"Obviously, when that last goal went in, everyone was buzzing. And then it was just about getting the ball and focusing to make sure that we win the game. Once we won it, we could enjoy it.”

The teenager feels he has been a good listener, when it comes to understanding Amorim's tactical instructions.

"I think it just comes with playing for a long time and the type of person you are," he added. "I think taking information is something I do well. I enjoy doing it. I enjoy learning and listening to ideas, and trying to improve my game, you know, with any information from other people.”

Centre-back Fredricson is desperate for more first-team exposure as he hopes to end the season on a real high.

"It’s such a high level that these players have got to," he said of his team-mates. "So I think you’ve got to be able to be willing to learn every day because we’re trying to get to their level. Hopefully, we can be just as good as them.

"It’s been great. It’s been a great experience. I’ve enjoyed it very much and hopefully I get more opportunities."