James Scanlon is ending the 2025/26 season in the best way possible for Manchester United.
Loan deals can be extremely difficult for young players, often requiring a steep learning curve.
James Scanlon is bouncing back from his tricky loan at Swindon Town, getting back on track at international level.
Scanlon represents Gibraltar, one of the minnows of international football.
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How James Scanlon and Gibraltar flipped the script
Gibraltar are not used to winning games. Their last World Cup qualifier was a 6-0 defeat to the Czech Republic, and they finished bottom of the group. They ended with 0 points and a -25 goal difference.
Over the past international break, Gibraltar have managed to flip the script with two friendly matches against non-European opposition.
Gibraltar have won their two matches, beating the British Virgin Islands 4-0 and the Cayman Islands 4-1.
James Scanlon scored in both games, netting twice in the 4-0 win and then scoring the opener in the 4-1 victory,
To be fair, Scanlon was the most high-profile player on the pitch in both games, due to his Manchester United attachment.
But he has never played a competitive first team minute for United, instead he is making a name for himself at international level.
Scanlon now has five goals in 24 international games for Gibraltar, at the age of 19.
He only needs four more to become the country’s outright international record scorer.
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Scanlon bounces back
James Scanlon has been prolific at youth level for Manchester United’s academy sides, providing goals and assists on a regular basis.
In late January he struck a hat-trick for the under-21s in a Premier League International Cup tie against Sporting.
It was clear that he needed a loan move and on deadline day he signed for Swindon Town.
Scanlon started brightly for Swindon but then he faded. He scored once in six matches, three of which were starts.
This was not a bad return, but he could not hold down a regular place in the side.
Loan spells can cause players to lose momentum, but Scanlon has ended the season on a bright note thanks to his international exploits.
He will now head on a break before returning for pre-season.
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