James Scanlon lit up the Premier League International Cup for Manchester United on Tuesday night, scoring a hat-trick as Manchester United beat Sporting CP 3-2.
The under-21s put in a very impressive performance to do their part in qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition, all while Michael Carrick was in the stands with his coaches Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion and Steve Holland watching on.
Manchester United under-21s won the game 3-2, with James Scanlon earning the headlines with a flawless three-goal display, two of which were excellent.
Scanlon will have grabbed Carrick’s attention with this performance, especially with traditional left wing options looking slim right now for United, as Patrick Dorgu is the only true option.
However, another weakness is midfield, and Carrick might have just seen a player he can mould into a future Premier League midfielder.
WHO is the most UNDERRATED academy talent at Manchester United right now? 🤔🔥
JJ Gabriel and Shea Lacey are obviously exciting but who else are you excited by?
Amir Ibragimov leads team talk for Manchester United U18s.
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Michael Carrick will be impressed with Jayce Fitzgerald’s performance
So while Scanlon got the three goals, looking like a game winner for the under-21s, behind him in the midfield was Jayce Fitzgerald who was quietly having a wonderful game of his own.
Fitzgerald got the assist for Scanlon’s opening goal with a brilliant moment of quality, dribbling through a couple of defenders before laying it off to the Gibraltar international.
Jayce Fitzgerald playing pass for Manchester United.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
More United News
Not only was the assist great, but Fitzgerald ran the show all game long, completing long passes, short passes, carrying the ball through the lines and also contributing defensively.
At just 18, Fitzgerald is continuing to evolve, growing toward his high potential, recovering from plenty of injury setbacks.
Fitzgerald could be Carrick’s successor for United, and this performance right in front of the head coach of the first team will certainly have caught the eye. Having developed Hayden Hackney at Middlesbrough, Carrick can be trusted to turn Fitzgerald into a star.
As a player, Fitzgerald just oozes quality on the ball, suiting the system Carrick will be playing much more than he did under the previous head coach, with the same applying to Jim Thwaites.
Who will be Michael Carrick’s first Manchester United academy debutant?
Carrick will need Carrington with no January signings…
Jayce Fitzgerald walking out for Manchester United.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
In terms of his qualities, Fitzgerald could be United’s own Elliot Anderson, and the time is now for Carrick to bring him into the first-team fold.
Last season, Ruud van Nistelrooy gave Fitzgerald first team experience, and 15 months on from this, he is an even better player and readier than ever to step up for United.
With Bruno Fernandes back in the 10, United’s midfield pivot currently has two options in one role yet only Kobbie Mainoo in the more progressive and ball playing position, but Fitzgerald could be a ready-made option for Carrick right now.
Having watched him perform to such a high level, don’t be surprised if Fitzgerald is training with the senior team in the near future, and possibly pushing for a debut as well.
The new Carrick could be brought through by Carrick himself.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox