Manchester United agreed a series of loans for young players during the transfer window, but perhaps not enough.
In total Manchester United have 17 players out on loan. Some of these include former first team stars like Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund.
Others are younger players, and on deadline day Ethan Ennis and Harry Amass secured loan exits to Football League clubs.
Ennis is already off to a flier, scoring on his debut for Fleetwood Town just 24 hours after sealing his move.
It was a surprise that a few more did not follow, with opportunities expected to be limited in United’s first team amid a lack of European football.
Loan moves are still possible, with some European windows still open including in Switzerland, where Ineos own top-tier club Lausanne.
We are taking a look at four players who would have benefitted from a move, not including Sekou Kone, Chido Obi and Diego Leon, who could yet play a part of the first team over the next few months.
Rhys Bennett wears white bib in Manchester United training
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Rhys Bennett
Rhys Bennett spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Fleetwood Town in League Two, and proved that he was ready to play regularly in the Football League.
More United News
The former FA Youth Cup winning captain played 38 times for Fleetwood last season, even scoring twice.
At 21-years-old, Bennett needs to be playing competitive football, not languishing in the academy.
James Scanlon wearing red Man Utd kit
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
James Scanlon
James Scanlon is a peculiar case, a player who has already played and scored at senior international level for Gibraltar.
The creative midfielder looked too good for academy football last season, but has not had a look-in when it comes to the first team.
Still only 18, Scanlon needs a loan move at some stage this season, and he might be a player who could flourish at Lausanne.
Sam Mather reaches out with hand, wearing blue Man Utd kit
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Sam Mather
Another FA Youth Cup winner, Sam Mather has had a frustrating couple of years, going out on loans in the January window.
But last season the winger’s loan involved only two appearances for Tranmere Rovers totalling just four minutes of playing time.
Now 20-years-old, Mather’s development risks stalling if it hasn’t already, he really needed a summer move.
Gabriele Biancheri celebrates with two arms raised wearing blue kit
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Gabriele Biancheri
Gabriele Biancheri is another prolific youth striker who netted a total of 25 goals for the academy teams in 2024/25.
Cardiff City were among the clubs keen on his loan signature this summer, but no deals were struck. Possibly this could be because Ruben Amorim wants to keep him close to the first team squad.
A loan could have been more beneficial, and Biancheri is a player we would expect to be given a chance to go out and play in January.