The burden of expectation at Manchester United is felt from the academy to the first team, from James Scanlon to the man dividing much of the fanbase in Ruben Amorim.
It is nothing new; the Theatre of Dreams has laid a platform for some of the game’s finest players to showcase their skills before revolutionising expectations amongst an ever-expectant Stretford End.
While the senior side struggles to reinvent themselves under the watch of their Portuguese tactician, the under-18s have picked up where they left off under Adam Lawrence and are within touching distance of another memorable campaign.
Many of this talented crop is blazing a trail across the 2024-25 season, with names like Jaydan Kamason knocking on the door of first-team consideration after the emergence of the brilliant Chido Obi.
Alongside them, the undeniable attacking flair and charisma of Gibraltar international Scanlon has many academy fanatics praying for the sight of senior inclusion, particularly during extensive first-team injuries and absences.
Goals and assists and much more | James Scanlon has it all
Three days after a memorable FA Youth Cup victory against Arsenal, Scanlon and Co welcomed Middlesbrough for a U18 Premier League encounter.
Keeping in line with much of the national expectations, the young Reds earned an impressive 3-1 win with a brace from the Gibraltar attacker, bringing his tally to 16 goals and six assists in 23 outings.
His versatility has offered a unique option for Lawrence and his teammates, splitting his time between either flank with undeniable ability regardless of the task at hand.
Throughout a memorable campaign with numerous standout moments, his Youth Cup brace against Chelsea was outstanding, as was his four-goal haul in a 9-0 thrashing of Blackburn Rovers in September.
As supporters of the academy game, we strive for signs of progression and character within the youth ranks. When factoring his eight goals and four assists from 31 U18 appearances in 2023-24, we are now witnessing the emergence of an attacking prodigy unfold.
In reality, this should come as no surprise. Despite predominant placing for the 18s, the youngster is a full international who has already opened his account with a senior UEFA Nations League strike against Liechtenstein in September 2024. He has made a total of 10 appearances for Los Llanis.
Having grown up in the Midlands and settled into the academy traditions of Derby County, progress towards a professional standing has always been his primary goal.
Since arriving in the North West in 2023, ambition has been a key attribute and aided his first professional contract a year later under Erik ten Hag. The Theatre of Red remains actively close with several key individuals at Carrington, and high praise does not go far enough to highlight the level of expectation bestowed on Scanlon’s shoulders.
”Look, when you speak about a young lad who strives for individual growth alongside the team vision, James shines so brightly,” a close colleague stated.
“First and foremost, we want to develop people. It is critically important we have good, young men on this team who have a goal and a career ahead of them – whether that is in football or not.
“When we look at James, the ceiling is high. I mean, just look at his contribution to the football club this season – we are immensely proud of the boy!
“Then, you look at what he is achieving on the world stage with Gibraltar. We work very closely with the guys to ensure his development is not forgotten, and we receive ample support to ensure his growth is recognised.
“He has every chance.”
When considering Amorim’s attacking struggles and willingness to include Chido Obi in recent outings, there is ample opportunity for other rising stars to grasp their dream.
We’re advised that Scanlon continues to impress and, like Kamason, is a name that our Portuguese team are keen to enhance over the coming months.
How do you feel about the prospects of James Scanlon shining on the biggest stage of all at Manchester United?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels.
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