Manchester United academy winger James Scanlon has long been among the top performers in his age bracket, and against Sporting CP’s U21 side, he reached new heights.
Starting as the left winger for the U21s, James Scanlon scored all three goals in Manchester United’s 3-2 win vs Sporting.
The Gibraltar international looked unstoppable when cutting inside onto his right foot, scoring two goals from range with the same placed technique.
Most impressively, Scanlon did this in front of Michael Carrick and the entire first team staff, which would have added pressure for all the players.
Also in the stands was Jason Wilcox, who got a reminder that he needs to make a decision over Scanlon.
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Scanlon’s performance comes with United looking for additional left-wing options.
He will be hoping that he did enough to catch Carrick’s eye and possibly get first team opportunities, but if not, Ineos will have realised one thing.
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Quite simply, Scanlon is far too good to be facing youth opponents anymore, and he needs more of a challenge.
Scanlon has impressed at an international level for Gibraltar, so academy football is doing him no favours. Now, the hat-trick over Sporting should confirm this for Wilcox and the main decision makers.
Playing youth football at this stage won’t help Scanlon develop, especially if he isn’t training with the first team.
For anyone who watched Scanlon against Sporting, it is clear that United needs to take the next step with him, and this should be a loan.
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Manchester United now need to give Scanlon a loan move
In an ideal world, Carrick would evaluate Scanlon as good enough to provide depth at left wing for United; however, this remains a questionable point with a loan his more likely route to professional football.
At the end of last year, Scanlon was linked with a loan switch, with scouts tracking his development.
Scanlon was also expected to be sent on loan last summer, with a move to Scotland failing to come to fruition, and so over the next 11 days, United need to look into loan interest and give the teenager a move where he can thrive and develop.
There is clearly something to Scanlon, and United need to give him the best chance of reaching his ultimate potential.
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