A look at the status of four top Manchester United under-21 players who missed out on loan deals.
Manchester United have sent a high number of players out on loan once again, a mixture of first team outcasts and promising young talents.
A lack of European football has accelerated United’s desire to send players out on loan, with fewer opportunities for squad rotation.
Despite this, not all of the top prospects on United’s books were able to land loan moves. We highlighted how four under-21 players were particularly unlucky to miss out.
These were Rhys Bennett, James Scanlon, Sam Mather and Gabriele Biancheri, all players who have either been on loan before or made significant strides at youth or even senior international level.
United In Focus spoke to transfer insider Graeme Bailey to get the lowdown on the club’s thinking with each member of the quartet.
Rhys Bennett in Manchester United shirt
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Rhys Bennett latest
After spending a full season with Fleetwood Town, Rhys Bennett proved himself capable of playing in the Football League.
Bailey says there were loan enquiries over Rhys Bennett, but Manchester United did not push too hard.
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He adds that it is possible United use Bennett in the first team as extra defensive depth during the first half of the season with Lisandro Martinez recovering from a torn ACL.
James Scanlon in Manchester United shirt
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James Scanlon latest
James Scanlon has already made 16 first team appearances at senior international level for Gibraltar, scoring two goals.
Bailey explains that Manchester United’s staff are impressed with Scanlon’s maturity, and the possibility of a loan move to Ineos-owned Lausanne was explored.
There was some surprise internally that Scanlon did not secure a loan move, amid a seeming lack of first team opportunities.
Sam Mather reaches out with hand, wearing blue Man Utd kit
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Sam Mather latest
After signing with Erik ten Hag’s SEG agency, Sam Mather was handed a new contract until 2027 last summer.
However, United have informed Mather that he would benefit from a move away from the club on a permanent basis.
There has been late interest from Turkish and Greek clubs amid their extended transfer deadline, and if the winger does not make a late exit, then a January departure is likely.
Gabriele Biancheri celebrates Manchester United goal
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Gabriele Biancheri latest
Gabriele Biancheri made his Wales under-21 debut this past week and scored 25 goals at academy level for the Red Devils teams last season.
Cardiff City were among the teams to hold talks over a deal, and Bailey explains that there were ‘lots of Football League clubs’ keen on his signature.
He adds that Manchester United are very happy with Biancheri, and believe he can push Chido Obi at youth level, with competition keeping both players sharp.