Manchester United secured the loan transfers of five of their Academy stars amid a fresh decision being made about young left-back Harry Amass.
Manchester United had a quiet transfer window during the opening month of 2026, with multiple managerial changes leaving the club feeling that most of their significant decisions could wait until the summer.
While the party line was always that if one of their current targets became available this last month, they wouldn’t hesitate to enter the fray, the club had always expected not to do much first-team business.
This was also included by the fact that, following Rúben Amorim’s dismissal, the club are not yet sure who will be their new head coach as of the start of next season, so any significant transfer moves would have to wait until after consultation with the eventual head coach.
But, while first-team changes were moot, the club did agree several loan moves for their younger Academy stars to gain vital first-team experience, with five coming during the deadline-day period.
United agree five deadline day transfers
Across deadline day and the following hours, United announced that five of their Academy stars had all secured loan moves to clubs elsewhere, with three of these remaining in the English pyramid.
First off, James Scanlon, who many see as far too good for Academy football, secured a loan to League Two side Swindon Town, while Gabriele Biancheri will play in EFL League One with Rotherham United.
Jacob Devaney will spend the rest of the season on loan at Scottish Premiership side St Mirren, while Ethan Wheatley has signed for Bradford City.
The latter is an interesting move. Wheatley was already in League One with Northampton Town for the first half of the campaign, but with his former side battling relegation, United chose to recall him and send him to Bradford, who are pushing for promotion, to add him to a more positive environment.
Finally, young Mali star Sekou Kone has secured a switch to the Swiss Super League and INEOS-owned side FC Lausanne-Sport. Kone has been training with the first team for a few weeks and will join fellow United Academy player Enzo Kana-Biyik for the remainder of the campaign.
United make fresh decision on Amass following injury
One of United’s most successful loans for the first half of the campaign was Harry Amass’ move to Sheffield Wednesday. The young English talent won back-to-back player of the month awards with the Owls.
However, with Wednesday in the midst of severe financial punishment, United recalled Amass and sent him to Norwich City to continue his development. However, disaster struck when the 18-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in training after just one appearance.
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According to Samuel Luckhurst, United have decided to bring Amass back to Carrington for a full assessment of his injury, after which the next steps regarding his loan at Norwich will be determined.
Amass’ injury could not have come at a worse time for the young star, as there is a lot of hope that he could break into the United first-team squad next season.
With Tyrell Malacia set to depart in the summer and Luke Shaw’s contract expiring in 18 months, many are hoping that Amass will be able to make the jump from Academy and Championship star to the Premier League level at left-back.
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