James Scanlon: Man United youngster closing in on senior loan move

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The Peoples Person

·2 February 2026

James Scanlon: Man United youngster closing in on senior loan move

Manchester United are about to let go of one of their young stars on a temporary basis this winter.

Departures

United have not had any incomings this winter but have sold Joe Hugill to Kilmarnock.

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Youth Cup-winning captain Rhys Bennett has also departed to Fleetwood Town. They have also sent Harry Amass on loan to Norwich City and Toby Collyer to Hull City.

There are also strong rumours that Jacob Devaney will go out on loan to St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

James Scanlon

United have also decided that James Scanlon’s future will be away from the club, at least on a temporary basis.

The Manchester Evening News reports that, “Manchester United youngster James Scanlon is set to join Swindon Town on loan for the remainder of the season. Scanlon has outgrown academy football and is ready to test himself in a senior environment.”

Swindon Town are currently in the playoff picture in League Two, sitting in sixth position in the league.

Scanlon missed out on a loan in the summer but will hope to finally test himself at senior club level.

International career

The 19-year-old has been in terrific form for the academy over recent years and scored a hat-trick in the Under-21s’ win against Sporting Clube de Portugal in the Premier League International Cup.

He has scored five goals and added three assists for the academy this season.

Interestingly, Scanlon has represented Gibraltar on the international scene since 2024.

He has played 20 times for his country, scoring two goals for the international minnows. In spite of playing in one of the lowest ranked nations in world football, he has impressed and has been described as “brilliant”.

Scanlon also demonstrates his tactical flexibility by playing as a winger for Manchester United but often as a midfielder for his nation.