Man Utd approve winger transfer on deadline day after raft of January exits | Football | Sport
Man Utd have approved the exit of James Scanlon (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are sending James Scanlon on loan to Swindon Town for the rest of the campaign. United have already agreed several departures for academy prospects during an otherwise quiet January window, with Scanlon poised to be the latest departure. The 19-year-old winger has received approval to join Swindon’s promotion charge from League Two under boss Ian Holloway.
Swindon currently occupy sixth place, trailing the automatic promotion spots by three points, and are eager to bolster their attacking options. Scanlon boasts 20 international caps and two goals for Gibraltar, demonstrating his readiness for senior football after establishing himself in United’s youth ranks. The winger has netted eight times with five assists across 47 appearances for the under-21s, following impressive form for the under-18s since arriving from Derby County in 2021.
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United’s academy connections have been reinforced over recent weeks following Ruben Amorim’s exit. Michael Carrick has taken charge as caretaker manager through to the season’s conclusion, with under-21s chief Travis Binnion joining his coaching team.
Scanlon has yet to feature for United’s senior side and finds himself behind players such as Shea Lacey in the hierarchy. The winger’s sibling, Luca Scanlon, operates in midfield and previously spent time in United’s academy before departing for Burnley last year.
United have experienced a subdued January transfer window, having invested over £200million on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko during the summer.
Amorim’s exit – and the instant upturn under Carrick – has led the hierarchy to postpone deals until the summer, when a permanent managerial appointment will be secured. The club has instead focused on offloading younger talents.
James Scanlon is headed to League Two (Image: Getty Images)
Toby Collyer has joined Hull City on loan, whilst Harry Amass has moved to Norwich, following earlier temporary spells at West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday, respectively.
Meanwhile, Rhys Bennett completed a permanent switch to Fleetwood Town, Joe Hugill moved to Kilmarnock on a permanent basis, and Sam Mather cancelled his contract to join Turkish outfit Kayserispor as a free agent.
Carrick remained open to potential business when questioned before Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Fulham.
“Never say never. A lot can happen and situations can be thrown up,” he said. “Sometimes it is in our control, sometimes not. I am pretty calm. We have shown what we are capable of as a team.”
He was also quizzed about captain Bruno Fernandes’ future. “We all want to win things. We all want to get better. We want to improve as a team,” Carrick added.
“We want to be successful and that’s something we’ve got to work towards together, but Bruno’s been fantastic since I’ve been here. He was fantastic when I was here before, so I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him.
“That’s not to get too far ahead, you know. That’s [his future] on the agenda a little bit, but my main agenda is getting through the game on Sunday with Fulham. Bruno’s fully committed.
“There’s absolutely no issues at all with that. Things further down the line [will be] addressed towards the end of the season or whatever. But now everything’s positive at the moment.”
