One of the most exciting talents within the Manchester United’s academy this season has done everything he can to earn a first-team debut under Ruben Amorim.
Despite ending the season trophyless, this season has been another brilliant campaign for the Manchester United academy with several players having breakout seasons which will have caught the eye of head coach Ruben Amorim.
Already Amorim has rewarded three academy players with debuts, with Chido Obi becoming a regular in the first-team. After a number of cameo appearances, Obi even started for United against Brentford last weekend, struggling from a lack of creativity around him.
Harry Amass is another who has become regular with three starts in the Premier League this season under Amorim. The most recent and 254th academy graduate for United was Tyler Fredricson who has been a surprise star, impressing thus far.
However, with a likely Europa League final to prepare for assuming the Red Devils can avoid heavy defeat to Athletic Club at Old Trafford, Amorim is set to hand out even more debuts to United youngsters.
If there is one player deserving of a call-up next, it is a talent who has been unstoppable all season long.
Travis Binnion speaks about James Scanlon
James Scanlon has really stepped up this year, becoming key for the U18 and U21 sides with his wing-play, goals and assists all making him stand out amongst talented groups.
The full Gibraltar international has racked up 23 goals and seven assists this season across the two youth levels.
| Level | Goals | Assists |
| U18 | 19 | 6 |
| U21 | 4 | 1 |
Scanlon has more recently made the permanent move to U21 football and this has left Travis Binnion raving about his talents, when speaking to journalist Nathan Salt.
“He went on pre-season with Erik [ten Hag] and he really liked him. He’s a really good footballer. He’s versatile, scores goals, he’s unbelievably robust, intelligent… he’s got a lot of qualities.
“He’s got to keep doing what he’s doing to show [Ruben Amorim] he is worthy of an opportunity. I would suggest he’s got to do that in training, like they all have. He’s bubbling away nicely.”
It was during pre-season under Erik ten Hag that Scanlon was first exposed to senior football, used as a right-back, which could hint toward a role that he could become an option for under Amorim.
If he is to earn his chance, as Binnion says, it will come with his training performances.
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
James Scanlon could perfectly suit right wing-back role under Ruben Amorim
With such an impressive season, Scanlon is undeniable for Amorim and deserves his chance at the end of this season to get on the pitch for the first-team. Scanlon is no stranger to mens football, with 12 caps for Gibraltar already.
Scanlon became one of the youngest ever Nations League scorers, up there alongside Lamine Yamal which is a testament to his ability which is underrated.
The problem for Scanlon is that United no longer play wingers, which is where he would natural fit in. However, given the attacking nature of the wing-backs under Amorim, he might actually be a strong fit to be an option as the right wing-back, similar to how Ten Hag used him as a right-back.
Scanlon has the work rate and running required to play in the position, however, here he will face competition from Jaydan Kamason and Bendito Mantato, both of whom seem higher in Amorim’s thinking.
Scanlon could also be an option as a number 10, although he is not completely natural there, being more of a wide player. It will be interesting to see if Amorim uses him, one thing that is certain is that he is deserving.
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