Manchester United could have a new permanent first-team squad member for 2025/2026 This week's Man Utd academy notebook on the latest ongoings, brought to you by the Manchester Evening News. Harry Amass with his 'debut frame'. (Image: Manchester United ) Hello and welcome to this week's Manchester United academy notebook. The Manchester Evening News provide more coverage of United's academy than any other outlet and we experimented by publishing an academy notebook last season. ‌ The notebook was brought back during the 2024/25 campaign and its purpose is to provide readers with digestible information about the current ongoings around the youth setup. Article continues below It will be published every Thursday and here is the latest academy news... Obi and Amass recognised Chido Obi and Harry Amass were recently handed 'debut frames' in the Graduate Lounge at Carrington to commemorate their first senior appearances. Obi made his debut against Tottenham in February and Amass finally received his opportunity against Leicester last month. The Graduate Lounge is a designated area for parents and families at the academy and it celebrates players from United's youth programme who have made a first-team debut. ‌ Both players were pictured with their debut frames, which will likely always have a place in their homes, regardless of what they eventually achieve in their respective careers. "It was a very big moment for me and my family," said a delighted Obi. "My parents came to the game and my brothers came as well, so it was a really good moment for me to come on." "Old Trafford is very special. It definitely feels like the right move and I'll keep working hard." ‌ Chido Obi pictured with his debut frame. Amass sets a new target Amass also spoke to club media after receiving his debut frame. The London-born lad has come across well each time he's spoken in public, and he made another strong impression against Wolves. The 18-year-old made his second start and was probably the best performer for United, looking comfortable at the back and delivering a handful of dangerous crosses during the match. ‌ Amass has looked comfortable at the top level and he emerged with credit at St. James' Park, which suggests he could be promoted to become a permanent first-team squad member. He discussed the importance of being named in senior squads, even as an unused substitute, and said: “It has helped me grow as a person and as a player, but especially off the pitch, just growing up as a young lad and trying to turn into a man. Next is just to keep working hard." Amass added that he wants to prove he can be trusted by Ruben Amorim and that he wants more minutes. That is the youngster's next target and he's got the talent to achieve it. ‌ Harry Amass has looked comfortable in the first-team. The U18s' league title defence It would be a great shame if United's talented Under-18 side went this season without winning a trophy, but that's what could happen as an entertaining title race comes to a close. Manchester City currently have 61 points after 22 games, while United are sitting on 56 points with a game in hand. City have just two more games to play and they will claim the title if they win both. ‌ City and United have lost just one game each, but the Reds have drawn twice and their Manchester rivals have only drawn once. It would be cruel to lose the title due to an extra draw, but both sides have enjoyed tremendous campaigns and it was always going to be decided by fine margins. United still have hope of defending their title, though, and it should go down to the last day. The U18s have been brilliant. (Image: 2025 Manchester United FC ) ‌ Gore back in first-team training Dan Gore took part in first-team training on Wednesday morning, which was great to see. The youngster joined Rotherham on loan in the winter window and picked up a foot injury almost immediately after signing, so his participation confirmed he has fully recovered from that issue. Gore has endured 18 months of rotten luck with injuries and his contract expires in the summer of 2026, so it's possible a decision will be made on his future in the upcoming transfer window. You need a blend of talent, hard work and some luck to break through into United's first-team. Gore has been dealt an unfortunate hand of cards and might need a permanent move away for a clean slate. Article continues below Baumann takes part in the session Zachary Baumann also took part in first-team training. The youngster has also missed some time on the pitch this term due to injury, but he has started in the last three games for the U18s. Baumann was born in Greater Manchester but is eligible to represent Ukraine's national team, which means he might have to decide whether to represent England or Ukraine later in his career. The Ukrainian press have already reported on his dual nationality and have claimed early conversations have taken place with Baumann's family over his future plans.