Man Utd youngster James Scanlon has made strong progress in the academy and he represents Gibraltar's national team.
James Scanlon represents Gibraltar.(Image: 2020 Soccrates Images B.V.)
Manchester United youngster James Scanlon scored for Gibraltar's national team on Monday.
Scanlon was born and raised in the Midlands, but he represents Gibraltar on the international stage and he scored a brilliant goal against the Faroe Islands in a World Cup Qualifier.
The 18-year-old fired Gibraltar into the lead against the Faroe Islands on Monday evening, finding the bottom right corner with a first-time shot from the edge of the box. Gibraltar ultimately suffered a 2-1 defeat, but Scanlon will be happy with his second goal for his national side, who he qualifies to represent through his mother.
The United academy product made his senior debut for Gibraltar against Lithuania in March 2024.
Scanlon has become a regular starter for Gibraltar and has been tipped for a bright future by United Under-21 boss Travis Binnion, who recently praised his intelligence.
Last month, the Manchester Evening News spoke to Binnion about Scanlon, and he said: "He went on pre-season with Erik [ten Hag] and he really liked him. He’s a really good footballer. He’s versatile, scores goals, he’s unbelievably robust, intelligent… he’s got a lot of qualities.”
“He is going to be a really good footballer. He’s got to keep doing what he’s doing to show [Ruben Amorim] he is worthy of an opportunity.
"I would suggest he’s got to do that in training, like they all have. He’s bubbling away nicely.”
Scanlon helped the Under-18s reach the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup last season and he contributed 22 goals and seven assists, which earned him the chance to train with the first team.
United rewarded Scanlon with his first professional contract at the club in May 2024.
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