The 2025/26 season has been a steep learning curve for Manchester United’s young loanees.
Leaving Manchester United on loan mid-season was the goal for young duo James Scanlon and Gabriele Biancheri, who were both keen to get their first taste of competitive first team football.
But it was never going to be easy for either player, making the jump from academy football to League One and League Two on loan halfway through the campaign.
- James Scanlon has made three starts for Swindon Town and three substitute appearances, totalling 241 minutes.
- Gabriele Biancheri has started two games for Rotherham and made nine appearances from the bench, playing 263 minutes total.
Both players have played the cumulative appearances of less than three complete matches so far. And that should not be a knock against them.
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We nearly lost him…!
Man Utd must make their own judgement
Manchester United must not take one look at Gabriele Biancheri and James Scanlon’s lack of gametime and make a sweeping assessment.
Just because they are not playing in the Football League, it does not mean they should be summarily dismissed.
Maxi Oyedele was sold after a dismal loan spell at Forest Green Rovers. He is now a senior Poland international, and starring in Ligue 1 for Strasbourg.
There is also a key lesson from Kobbie Mainoo’s experience under Ruben Amorim.
Just because one manager does not rate a player, it does not mean that player cannot play a useful role for the club.
How many players have been lost at a critical stage of their development because of one manager’s opinion?
Erik ten Hag did like Kobbie Mainoo, but he refused to consider Alvaro Fernandez. He is now a first team regular for Real Madrid.
If Ruben Amorim had been in charge at Manchester United in 2023, then Kobbie Mainoo might have never even made his debut.
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Biancheri and Scanlon are rising talents
Gabriele Biancheri is a Wales under-21 international striker who has scored at a prolific rate for Manchester United’s academy sides.
James Scanlon provided more than 20 combined goals and assists for the academy last season, and has picked up regular senior international minutes for Gibraltar.
Both players are rising talents who should be cherished and looked after.
That does not mean keeping either around too long, but it also means that United should not make any hasty decisions on the back of character-building Football League loans.
Both players should get a chance to show what they are capable of in pre-season.
The decision must be United’s alone. Not based on the actions of the loan managers the players encountered during their loan spells.
Further loan opportunities could come their way, abroad or domestically.
All it takes is the right opportunity to open up.
A young player just needs the right manager to believe in them at the right time.
Who knows… for one of them, it might just be Michael Carrick.
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