Who is James Scanlon? Man Utd teenager could make international debut tonight three years after triple signing

Manchester United youngster James Scanlon could make history this week by playing for his country before he has even represented his club at senior level.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has been a regular at U18 and U21 level for United this season and has seen his progress rewarded with a call-up to the Gibraltar national team. Scanlon is in the senior side for both of their Nations League clashes with Lithuania over the coming week and could well return to Carrington as a fully-fledged international.

Scanlon, who has already featured for Gibraltar at U17s and U21s level, is being fast tracked to the first-team as they look to secure his talent for the remainder of his playing career and look to make their mark on the international scene.

But just who is the teenager? ManchesterWorld have taken a look:

Name: James Robert Scanlon

Date of Birth: 28 September, 2006 (17)

Position: Attacking midfield

Squad number: 92

Previous club: Derby County youth

The story so far:

Scanlon was one of three players United signed from Derby County back in 2021, along with Malachi Sharpe and Sekou Kaba.

He started off at U16 level with the club and featured in the Super Cup NI before gradually making his way through the youth ranks, where he has played mostly for the U18s. This season he has netted four goals from nine appearances in the U18 Premier League and featured twice in the disappointing FA Youth Cup campaign.

Scanlon has also featured four times in the Premier League 2, grabbing one assist, and has gained valuable experience in the Uefa Youth League and a solitary start in the EFL Trophy campaign. Due to the fact the latter two competitions are recognised at senior level, he was assigned the No.92 squad number for the current campaign.

His younger brother, Luca, joined United from Nottingham Forest two years ago and currently plays for both United and Gibraltar at U16s level.