Academy insiders “perplexed” that Man United starlet has not been promoted after hat-trick heroics

Manchester United academy insiders are ‘perplexed’ that one starlet has not been promoted following his hat-trick heroics.

James Scanlon was a major part of Manchester United’s treble-winning Under-18s side last term, as Adam Lawrence’s side heavily impressed in their performances.

In 12 league fixtures the young winger netted eight goals and registered three assists to help the team win the division in convincing fashion.

Many of his teammates have since moved onto the Under-21s squad, while the likes of Jack Fletcher and Harry Amass are on the verge of first-team involvement.

Yet, Scanlon is the only one out of that group who has already become a full international. The 18-year-old has represented Gibraltar’s mens team eight times and scored one goal.

That makes it even more confusing as to why Scanlon remains in the Under-18s squad this term. He has played eight games for Lawrence’s team this term and is showing that he is ahead of the level now, with 10 goals and four assists in that time.

Last time out against Leeds U18s, Scanlon netted his second hat-trick of the season. It seems like he has outgrown the level and needs a more challenging setting in the Under-21s.

According to a new report from MailSport, sources from Carrington have been ‘perplexed’ at Scanlon’s lack of promotion to a higher age-group, with there being a risk of stunting his development.

Scanlon joined the first-team squad on the pre-season tour in the summer and is highly-rated within the Academy setup.

Meanwhile, the aforementioned report added that Harry Amass is set to make his first-team debut in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will lead the team against PAOK and Amass could come off the bench to make his long-awaited debut. He would become the 251st Academy graduate of the club.

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