Manchester United’s young talent is gaining attention – and it’s not Chido Obi-Martin.
Winning trophies isn’t the only measure of success at youth level, but that doesn’t mean Manchester United aren’t eager to claim another FA Youth Cup title this season.
The club’s U18s have once again advanced to the quarter-finals after a dominant 5-1 comeback victory over Chelsea. Chido Obi-Martin stole the spotlight with a clinical hat-trick, but he isn’t the only young talent with ambitions of breaking into the first team.
In United’s 2022 Youth Cup-winning squad, four players—Dan Gore, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Charlie McNeill—went on to make senior debuts. Looking at the current crop of academy stars, history may repeat itself, with several players poised to follow in their footsteps. While Obi-Martin is the obvious standout, another promising forward is emerging as a name to watch.
James Scanlon Steps into the Spotlight
At 18, James Scanlon may not be the most talked-about academy player, but he is certainly among the most notable. Despite his young age, he has already earned 10 senior international caps for Gibraltar and will represent his country again in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Interestingly, he has played more senior international games than club matches for United, though that could soon change.
Scanlon played a key role in the U18s’ recent Youth Cup victory, scoring twice against Chelsea, bringing his season tally to 14 goals and five assists in just 19 appearances. These numbers are even more impressive considering he primarily plays as a winger rather than a central forward.
Last summer, Scanlon signed his first professional contract and participated in United’s pre-season under Erik ten Hag. His versatility makes him an ideal fit for a coach like Ruben Amorim, who values adaptable forwards. Few players in the academy can switch between wide and central attacking roles as seamlessly as Scanlon.
Is It Time for a Promotion?
Despite his strong performances, Scanlon’s development raises questions. The U18s level isn’t always the best indicator of long-term success due to the disparity in team quality, and he has only made two appearances for the U21s this season. United’s coaching staff highly rate him, but some training ground sources have expressed surprise at his lack of promotion to higher age groups, especially given his senior international experience.
Having already trained with the first team multiple times, a loan move could be the next logical step in his progression. However, with United’s top-flight struggles continuing, he may get a first-team opportunity sooner rather than later. Even if he doesn’t become a regular starter, making his senior debut would raise his profile at a crucial time for the club.
As United look to maximize their academy’s value, both in terms of developing first-team players and generating transfer revenue, Scanlon’s future remains one to watch. With financial constraints and the need for internal solutions, he could prove to be a valuable asset in more ways than one.
