Man Utd fans receive early team news for Sociedad as player who’s ‘absolutely flying’ is in line to feature

In partnership with

Stretty News

·13 mars 2025

Man Utd fans receive early team news for Sociedad as player who’s ‘absolutely flying’ is in line to feature

Manchester United playing the second leg in the Europa League’s Round of 16 at Old Trafford has given a chance to James Scanlon.

Through injuries, the roster is thin at a number of positions. Many were hoping for Chido Obi to provide a boost. He is, however, unavailable due to only recently joining the squad.

Vidéos OneFootball

Instead, the 18-year-old is one of two youngsters who have been included on the B list. Tyler Fredricson being the other inclusion. Footage emerged from the grounds of his training with the first team, along with a number of other academy players.

Successful beginning at the lower levels warrants shot

(Photo via Manchester United)

Scanlon has been part of Man Utd since 2023 after arriving from Derby County. He’s listed as a midfielder and already has impressed with the club.

It’s hard to assess talent at lower levels of play. In truth, observers can’t honestly evaluate a young player until they play at the senior level. For the time being, his matches with the U-18s and U-21s are all people have to go by.

The Gibralter international put on good displays with the youth teams – so much so that analyst StatmanDave claimed he was ‘absolutely flying’ at the start of the year. He already has a good level of composure and confidence on the ball. This ability to finish and create is an aspect that is often missing with Man Utd.

Ruben Amorim playing his version of the 3-4-3 also tends to lend itself to Scanlon’s skillset. Not only does the teenager have accurate long ball ability for pinpoint crosses, but he’s constantly looking and finding a teammate in a more dangerous area.

Coupled with his lack of shyness to shoot the ball himself, he’d add an added punch in the attack. Depending on the squad selection for the given match, Scanlon could definitely be utilized as a winger or outside wingback. Either way, both positions demand a lot within Amorim’s system, particularly getting back and then opening up once possession is regained.

Teenager taking advantage of opportunities with Man Utd

For the present moment, it looks like a promising start. Stepping up a tier in competition would give Man Utd the chance to see if he’s ready for the moment. Even if it doesn’t immediately work out, Scanlon has earned the opportunity.

Under Erik ten Hag, Scanlon joined Man Utd for the USA summer tour. Due to circumstances, he was asked to play as right back and overall did well in the role. The staff only had positive things to say about him at the time in 2024.

Fast forward to today, and his openness to help out in any way and be coachable will continue to serve him well under the new regime. It should be telling that both managers saw a lot in Scanlon and are inviting him to train and be part of first-team activities.

His and the inclusion of Fredricson can only be seen as a positive. Growing and developing young talent needs to receive a reemphasis again. When players come up through the ranks, it boosts morale and fan excitement when a young player makes an appearance and can have an immediate impact.

It’s unknown what Scanlon’s exact place will be for the immediate future following the home fixture against Real Sociedad. Regardless, it’s an encouraging sign that Scanlon keeps seeing his name the way it has been as of late. He is someone with a lot of potential who fans need to continue to monitor.