Although St Mirren suffered defeat against Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, Manchester United loanee Jacob Devaney gave a good account of himself in midfield against a side looking to challenge for the title.
Manchester United have a list of loanees, so they will keep a close eye on those players for the remainder of the season.
For some players, like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, it doesn’t look like they have a future at Old Trafford. But others will still be hopeful of making their United first-team debut after gaining experience playing at the senior level.
That includes Jacob Devaney, who has impressed as a mainstay in St Mirren’s line-up since joining the Scottish outfit in January.
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Jacob Devaney arrives for Republic of Ireland.
Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Jacob Devaney shines as Rangers beat St Mirren
Devaney has been a success story at St Mirren on loan.
The 18-year-old has been trusted with a first-team role since joining on loan, and his performances have shown that he is more than capable of competing against senior professionals.
All United would have wanted – by sending Devaney on loan to St Mirren – is to see how he would acclimatise in a different environment, but also playing at a competitive level.
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Devaney has responded well to the challenges he’s faced in Scottish football to date, with the latest coming against Rangers on Sunday.
Rangers won the match 1-0, but Devaney played the entire 90 minutes. He was superb on the ball, only being dispossessed once, and completing 94% of his passes.
Having touched the ball 70 times, Devaney showed that he is more than willing to get amongst it against superior opposition, and the game was a closely-fought battle thanks to his work rate in the middle of the pitch.
Devaney won five of his ground duels as well as two tackles, making eight recoveries, showing he carried out his defensive duties as well as showcasing his range of passing.
It’s a good time to be an emerging midfielder at United, given the amount of work the department needs, plus the extra games that will be played next season with Champions League football looking a real possibility.
There will be more cup matches too, granted United don’t fall at the first hurdle in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup again.
Describe Jacob Devaney’s perfect form at St Mirren in one word!
He's looked a cut above so far!
Jacob Devaney arrives for Republic of Ireland.
Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
When is Jacob Devaney in action next?
We would encourage United fans to keep an eye on Devaney because his performances have been impressive.
The Republic of Ireland youth international will be in action when St Mirren face Falkirk on Saturday afternoon.
That means the United loanee could come up against fellow academy prospect Ethan Williams.
United will be impressed to see the youngster getting so much game time while on loan at St Mirren.
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