It has been a mixed international break for Manchester United players over the past week, with big successes and also real struggles.
It has been a very long season for Manchester United players this season but it is now finally concluded as they now go for three weeks off before it all starts again with pre-season.
While a post-season international break might have been an unwelcome addition for many, Bruno Fernandes lifted silverware as Portugal won the Nations League final over Spain.
The international period was not so good for Rasmus Hojlund though as he struggled against Northern Ireland. The Danish media were very critical of Hojlund as they wrote the 22-year-old did nothing right.
Pressure will be building on Hojlund, with Danish press claiming Mathias Kvistgaarden had more impact in 30 seconds than Hojlund in 65 minutes. Things could get worse for United’s number nine too, with Chido Obi impressing for Denmark’s U20 side and surely knocking on the door of a senior call-up.
Now, the international break has turned positive for another United academy starlet who is already a star for his senior national side.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
James Scanlon scored for Gibraltar in World Cup qualifier
On Monday night, the remarkable 2024-25 campaign of James Scanlon drew to a close as he scored for Gibraltar against the Faroe Islands in a 2-1 World Cup qualifier defeat.
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The goal was brilliant from the 18-year-old winger as he curled it in from outside the box, with the strike heralded online as a ‘stunning’ strike.
This was his second for Gibraltar after Scanlon joined Lamine Yamal as one of the youngest scorers in the Nations League.
Scanlon is one of the club’s most impressive young players, having tallied up a combined 35 goals and assists during the 2024-25 season, while his performances for Gibraltar only continue to prove he is an elite talent, albeit against weak opposition.
After such an impressive campaign, Scanlon has been knocking on Ruben Amorim’s first team door for months, his chance may finally be coming.
Scanlon emerging as a pre-season tour wildcard for Ruben Amorim
Scanlon really came into his own during the 2024-25 season and was recognised by Amorim who had him in a handful of squads and senior training sessions.
It was claimed that Carrington staff were confused about Scanlon not being handed a debut, and this confusion will remain as the midfielder is deserving.
However, the 2024-25 season is in the past and Scanlon will have all eyes now on getting on the summer pre-season tour and making his mark under Amorim’s watchful eye.
There is a golden opportunity this summer for young attacking midfielders at the club with several first team sales likely to open up the prospect of a place in the first team squad.
Scanlon will surely be one of the names top of the list.