After a quiet transfer window, Manchester United were busy with loan departures on deadline day as four youngsters made moves.
Stephen Torpey took over loan manager duties from Jonny Evans this month, and he concluded the transfer window with a busy deadline day.
Having already sent Harry Amass to Norwich City and Toby Collyer to Hull City, Manchester United confirmed four more loans on deadline day for this winter window.
The loans were granted to players who really needed a new challenge, such as Gabriele Biancheri joining Rotherham United in League One, where he will hope to score goals.
Additionally, James Scanlon moved to Swindon Town in League Two. But there was another loan move confirmed late on Monday.
Which loan move are you most optimistic about being a success?
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Jacob Devaney to be thrown into the deep end for St Mirren
Having been admired by suitors earlier this season for his U21 appearances, Jacob Devaney has now taken the step into senior football.
It was claimed Devaney was close to joining St Mirren on loan early on deadline day, and this deal got confirmed in advance of the 11 pm Scottish deadline.
Jacob Devaney playing in midfield for Manchester United U21 against Anderlecht U21
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Both clubs confirmed the deal on Monday, with St Mirren club media quoting their manager, Stephen Robinson, as he spoke excitedly about Devaney.
“Jacob gives us something that we haven’t got”, Robinson admitted.
“We haven’t really replaced Caolan Boyd-Munce, and with Keanu [Baccus] being injured, we haven’t had that link between defence and midfield in recent weeks.
“He’s a really highly thought of young player at Manchester United so we’re looking forward to getting him involved. He’s been playing U21 football for Manchester United on a regular basis and with our injuries, he could get thrown in at the deep end, but we believe he’s got a mentality to handle that and is someone we feel can make an impact.”
From Robinson’s comments, we can assume that he plans to use Devaney immediately, with the deep end likely being that the 18-year-old will feature against league-leading Hearts on Tuesday night.
Man Utd chose NOT to make any signings mid-season… Are you worried this is a mistake?
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Manchester United will be watching Jacob Devaney closely
Devaney absolutely needed to be sent on loan by United, as he had outgrown playing academy football. Now, he has a real chance to impress the decision makers.
Speaking with Sky Sports Scotland, Devaney admitted he is hoping to prove himself to United while on loan.
“They’ve said to use it as an opportunity to go and improve yourself, go and play men’s football, learn the game, and come back a better player in the summer.
“There is definitely a pathway in United, it’s known for bringing through academy players, and I feel like this is a good stepping stone for me to boost myself and hopefully get into the first team.”
United will be watching Devaney as he is one of the best midfielders in the academy, and if he has a four-month period that he’s very capable of, he might get a pre-season opportunity.
It will, however, be trial by fire, but Devaney has all the qualities to succeed.
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