By G@mb!t
Not many had heard of Ben Amos before last week when Sir Alex Ferguson dashed rumours of a new goalkeeper joining Manchester United by announcing that Amos would take over as the No. 3 Goalkeeper behind Edwin Van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak. The News did end all speculation about United signing a new keeper and also brought the spotlight on the youngster who was at that time on loan at Norwegian club Molde FK. Many wanted to know who this youngster was who ended their dreams of having Manuel Neur, Rene Adler, Steve Mandanda, Igor Akinfeev, Hugo Lloris, De Gea or Sebastian Frey joining the team in the current transfer window.
Currently aged 20, Amos was born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, he joined United at the age of 11, signing from Crewe Alexandra.
In 2008, Amos was included in United’s squad for their pre-season tour of South Africa. Although Amos did not feature in South Africa, he eventually earned game time in Nigeria when United faced Portsmouth. Amos did not have to wait long for his first team debut, coming later that year in the third round of League Cup against Middlesbrough. During 2009/10 season Amos made eleven reserve team starts and in March was loaned to Norwegian club Molde FK.
Amos is a tall GK, already 6ft 3 in and might still grow taller. His physical presence is his biggest plus, also an excellent shot stopper with good reflexes, his biggest area for improvement would be with collecting crosses. A first teamer at a relatively young age for a GK, Amos has lots of time to improve. Already a youth international for England, he recently played for England at the U-20 level, the step up to the U-21’s looks almost certain for next season. Just a week back he was praised by both Sir Alex and United GK coach Eric Steele, both of whom think Ben will make it the highest level.
Amos looks certain to get some game time in the pre-season tour, a good chance for all United fans to see the latest product of the renowned youth academy perform. He’s sure to start for United in some of the Carling cup matches and maybe in the FA cup, a premier league debut may be a bit too far for next season but some unforeseeable circumstances could change it for him, an injury and a suspension could end up with him getting him premiership debut. With Van der Sar sure to step down end of the coming season and chances are Ben will get a chance to stake a claim for the No.1 position.
So does Ben Amos look good enough to make it at United? The answer to that question is uncertain, but for now the future looks very bright for this youngster and who knows come World Cup 2014 Ben Amos might on a plane to Brazil with the national team!!