Manchester United’s youth academy has produced some of the greatest players to have ever played the game.
The conveyor belt of talent to come out of Old Trafford continues to function smoothly with another promising youngster making his first international start on Monday.
James Scanlon, 17-year-old midfielder, was in the starting XI for Gibraltar against Scotland in a friendly game played in Portugal.
Unfortunately for Scanlon, Gibraltar couldn’t prevent defeat with second half goals from Ryan Christie and Che Adams securing a 2-0 win for the Scots.
However, given Gibraltar’s pedigree on the international scene, they will be relatively pleased with their performance.
Regardless of the score, it was a proud day for Scanlon who made his first start after two substitute appearances at international level.
Having represented Gibraltar’s youth sides, the United man was called up for the UEFA Nations League matches in March, where he made his debut against Lithuania.
International experience will no doubt accelerate Scanlon’s development in the game as he continues to impress for United’s youth teams.
Since signing from Derby County in 2021, the youngster has settled in well in Manchester, playing a key role in the U18’s title win last year.
Scanlon scored eight goals in 12 league games for the U18’s, including a brace in a 9-1 demolition of Liverpool – the standout result of the season.
He also represented United at U21 level throughout the campaign and will be desperate to breakthrough into Erik ten Hag’s plans next season.
His first international start is the cherry on the cake to cap of an excellent season for Scanlon who recently signed his first professional contract at United.
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