Outstanding wonderkid shows first-team level intelligence with big moment for Man Utd under-21 side

Manchester United’s youngsters showed up in a challenging test against foreign opposition.

Travis Binnion’s Manchester United under-21 side kept up their winning start to the 2025/26 campaign with a comeback victory over Athletic Club.

In a change-up from the usual task of playing at Carrington or Leigh Sports Village, this Premier League International Cup game was held at Old Trafford.

Athletic Club led 1-0 at half-time before substitute Gabriele Biancheri inspired a 2-1 comeback, assisting one goal and netting another.

James Scanlon showed maturity with well taken goal

Manchester United’s equaliser was scored by promising attacking midfielder James Scanlon, and it was no surprise.

Scanlon was United’s most threatening player in the first half, and when Travis Binnion made four substitutions in the 61st minute, he made sure to leave him on.

The 18-year-old has already gained senior international experience playing for minnows Gibraltar, where he has 16 caps and two goals.

These games have seen him compete against Scotland, Croatia and the Czech Republic among others.

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And some of this experience appeared to pay off with the way he took his goal for Manchester United’s equaliser.

Biancheri made a powerful run through the Athletic Club defence down the right side, and Scanlon was able to hold his run before cutting back to create space at the right moment, separating himself from his marker.

It was an intelligent piece of play that gave Biancheri an angle for a pass, and once he did, Scanlon struck his shot first-time into the corner.

Scanlon’s goal was a moment of maturity in a match between two young sides, and a sign of his impressive individual talent.

James Scanlon in queue for opportunities

James Scanlon was unfortunate not to get a look-in on tour under Ruben Amorim. Erik ten Hag took him to the US in 2024, and played the attacking midfielder at right-back.

Scanlon had a prolific academy campaign last season with 23 goals, and we felt that he was unlucky not to head out on loan during the recent transfer window.

His path to first team football is complicated, with heavy competition for attacking midfield spots already.

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