Manchester United’s U19s were rampant against Zalgiris on Wednesday evening in a 6-0 win to progress into the third round.
Another game, another absolute thrashing for Manchester United’s academy side which looks unstoppable right now.
Days after beating Leeds 8-0 in the U18 Premier League, head coach Adam Lawrence also masterminded a 6-0 thumping of Lithuanian side Zalgiris – with the match highlights showing real moments of quality.
This result along with the 5-2 win during the first leg meant Manchester United progressed to the third round to face AZ Alkmaar.
In the game, we were treated to a full half from Sekou Kone, and there were six United players on the scoresheet – including James Scanlon.
James Scanlon shines once again for Manchester United
Scanlon scoring is becoming almost inevitable for the academy this season – with this being his 11th of the season across all age levels.
READ: Man Utd under-21s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
After the game, the 18-year-old took to Instagram with a message signalling that he had added to his tally, writing simply: “+1”
It was under this post that he had his teammates raving with Chido Obi-Martin commenting a fire emoji – clearly impressed by his U18 teammate who he watched bag a hat-trick last weekend.
Gabriele Biancheri was also in the comments, writing: ‘Loves a goal”, this as Scanlon continues to impress in terms of scoring.
His teammate Jacob Devaney wrote: “Yes Scan”, while summer signing Samuel Lusale commented along similar lines: “Scann”, he added.
What Manchester United academy insiders are now saying about James Scanlon
Despite dominating U18 football this campaign, Scanlon has yet to regularly be used in the higher age groups and also yet to be used often in senior training.
According to the Daily Mail, a lack of game-time at a higher level has left some sources inside Carrington ‘perplexed’ over Scanlon’s situation.
Not promoting Scanlon is seen as running the risk of possibly stunting his growth and development as a footballer.
Scanlon has made a mockery of the U18 division at times this season and after getting quite a lot of minutes during pre-season, it’s a surprise he has not been used more and maybe even knocked on the door of the senior team for match day squads.
Scanlon is at a sensitive age and really he needs to either be loaned out or given more of a chance at a higher age group.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
