One Manchester United Academy player stood out as Adam Lawrence’s U18s fell short in the FA Youth Cup after losing the semi-final to Aston Villa on penalties.
With Rúben Amorim’s first-team set to return to action on Tuesday, many Manchester United fans tuned in on Monday evening as the club’s U18s team travelled to face Aston Villa in the FA Youth Cup.
Adam Lawrence’s side lined up with many recognisable names on the pitch, with Chido Obi starting up front and Jack Fletcher in midfield. Gabriele Biancheri started on the left, with James Scanlon on the right.
It was a horror start for United as the home side took an early lead through Trai-Varn Mulley, although Scanlon was on target to fire home before Aidan Borland missed a penalty for Villa to keep the score with a goal apiece at half-time.
In the second half, a fiery contest continued as United drew closer, but with no side able to crack the deadlock, the tie went into extra time, with the same story over the further 30 minutes and tie tie heading to penalties.
Unfortunately for United, Villa’s goalkeeper, Sam Proctor, saved two efforts to send his club through to the competition’s final as Lawrence’s men fell short.
Scanlon stole the show vs Villa
While many United fans would have tuned in to see 17-year-old star striker Obi, Gibraltar international Scanlon stole the show at Villa Park for United despite their narrow loss on Monday evening.
Scanlon, who wore the No. 7 on the night, was pivotal for Lawrence’s team, not only with his scoring touch but also his creative play on the right flank across the first 90 minutes.
In extra time, Scanlon was then instructed to play on the left but slightly closer to Obi, but much like the rest of the players on the field, he started to wein as the tie approached over 130 minutes of football, including extra time.
Scanlon converted his penalty excellently, with the official match commentators pointing out that his ball striking abilities for both his goal and penalty were fantastic. Aside from the loss, Scanlon can hold his head high for his performance.
Amorim warming to Scanlon’s abilities
When Amorim was first appointed at United, Scanlon was one of the Academy players who many familiar with the players touted as a potential star who could thrive under the Portuguese boss.
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However, the 18-year-old was often overlooked by the head coach in favour of other young stars for a series of matchday squads, which left those within Carrington “confused”.
But more recently, it seems as though Amorim is starting to warm to Scanlon as a potential option, having included him on the bench for United’s last home game, the 4-1 win over Real Sociedad before the international break.
With several first-team players now returning to training, it’s expected that fewer Academy players will be selected in matchday squads. Still, many will continue to train with the first team, and it’s hoped Scanlon will be one such player.
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