One of Manchester United’s Academy loan stars stunned on his debut following the confirmation of his loan move for the rest of the season on deadline day.
Manchester United’s 2026 winter transfer deadline day passed without any major first-team developments. Michael Carrick’s side made no new signings, and the only notable twist was the collapse of Tyrell Malacia’s proposed move to Turkey.
The club confirmed, though, that five Academy prospects have gone out on loan, with three remaining within the English league system.
James Scanlon, widely regarded as being well beyond Academy level, has joined League Two outfit Swindon Town. Gabriele Biancheri will step up to League One football with Rotherham United.
Elsewhere, Jacob Devaney is set for a spell in the Scottish Premiership with St. Mirren, and Ethan Wheatley has completed a loan move to Bradford City. Finally, it was announced that Sekou Kone had joined Swiss side FC Lausanne-Sport for the remainder of the season.
Devaney shines on debut in Scotland
The goal of United’s loan system is to give their young stars a taste of first-team football at a time when Carrick’s first team can’t really give them a chance. A great example in recent times has been Amad’s move to Sunderland, with the winger growing into a fantastic player in the Championship.
Just a few days after Devaney completed his move up to Scotland, he made his debut for his new side, who were welcoming league leaders Hearts to The SMiSA Stadium on Tuesday evening – a game in which the home side went a man down after 29 minutes.
At half time, the BBC Sport blog had a lot to say about Deveny’s first 45 minutes with The Buddies, stating: This young man can be very, very pleased with his first 45 minutes in men’s football.
“Jacob Devaney joined St Mirren on loan from Man United just yesterday, and he’s been absolutely superb. The 18-year-old has been everywhere and was integral to Hearts going down to 10. Will it get better for the young midfielder after the interval?”
The midfielder went on to play 70 minutes in the fixture, completing 26 of 31 attempted passes, having 49 touches, and making six defensive contributions as St. Mirren saw out a stunning 1-0 win, with the goal scored by centre-back Miguel Freckleton in the 88th minute.
Under the radar recall could help Carrick
While Deveney has shone away from Old Trafford on his loan debut, United themselves are in a very precarious spot in midfield. Carrick only has three senior players available for his midfield pivot spot: Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Manuel Ugarte.
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If either of the former two is to get injured, Ugarte becomes the natural replacement, although his level of quality is a drop-off compared to the current preferred options.
However, an under-the-radar recall that United made on deadline day saw the recall of Jack Moorhouse from Leyton Orient, where he has made 24 appearances so far this term, with 14 of those being starts.
Moorhouse is one of United’s most talented young midfielders in their Academy, and is certainly ready for senior football. MailSport has reported that United will initially put him back in the U21s, but that he will be given plenty of chances to train under Carrick to be properly assessed.
Although the jump from League One to the Premier League is significant, this recall at least gives Carrick another option for a quality midfielder should injuries strike the first-team squad.
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