Manchester United youngster James Scanlon struggled to make much of an impact despite his great start to the season, but did gain more valuable minutes for Gibraltar in their 1-1 draw with San Marino in the Nations League.
Scanlon has been in mightily impressive form in this campaign for the United academy.
In only eight matches and 653 minutes of action, the 18 year old has plundered nine goals and four assists in the Under 18 Premier League.
In fact, his performances have been so noteworthy that it has been questioned by people in and around the club as to why he hasn’t been promoted to the senior team yet.
Scanlon has also become a key member of his national team. He has now represented Gibraltar eight times this year and has played in every single match of their Nations League group.
It was far from a vintage performance from the youngster yesterday, though, as he was given a score of 6.4 from Sofascore.
His nation gave up 60% possession to the home side and only had four shots to their opponent’s 11.
Scanlon played 78 minutes of action and had 37 touches of the ball from the right wing.
He made 11 of his 15 passes for a pass completion rate of 73%.
Scanlon did almost double his international goal tally with a shot on target but it was comfortably saved by the San Marino keeper.
The youngster was highly combative, attempting 17 ground duels, but was only successful on seven occasions.
He also completed four tackles and made one interception as he helped his side hold on for what could be a valuable point in the group.
Gibraltar sit top of their Nations League D group, ahead of San Marino and Liechtenstein, with six points from four matches.
If San Marino fail to beat Liechtenstein in the final group game, the Gibraltarians will win the group and be promoted to League C for the next edition of the tournament, where Scanlon would be able to measure his talent against significantly tougher international opponents.
Featured image Carsten Harz via Getty Images
Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
