17-year-old Manchester United hopeful makes full international debut after signing professional contract

Manchester United youngster James Scanlon made his full international debut on Monday night as Gibraltar lost 2-0 to Scotland in a European Championship warm-up match.

The 17-year-old played 66 minutes for the European minnows in what was his third appearance at international level following his debut earlier in the year. Scanlon made history when he featured from the bench in Nations League matches against Lithuania back in March, before stepping up his international involvement with a first full start this week.

Although Scanlon was born and raised in the Midlands, he represents Gibraltar at international level, who he qualifies to represent through his mother.

It marks a whirlwind few weeks for Scanlon, who signed his first professional contract with United last month after an excellent season at youth level. The 17-year-old played a key role for United's under-18s as they won an historic treble, scoring eight goals and registering three assists in just 12 appearances.

He is the latest United youngster to sign his first professional deal, following Harry Amass, Jack and Tyler Fletcher and Shea Lacey in recent months. 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. His younger brother, Luca, joined United from Nottingham Forest two years ago and currently plays for both United and Gibraltar at U16s level.