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James Scanlon (footballer)
James Robert Scanlon (born 28 September 2006) is a Gibraltarian footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Manchester United and the Gibraltar national team. A product of Derby County and Manchester United academies, Scanlon became the first Manchester United player to represent Gibraltar while at the club.[1] Club careerScanlon began playing youth football at Derby County before joining Manchester United in February 2021 amidst growing financial uncertainty at Pride Park.[2] After breaking into the under-18 team towards the end of the 2022–23 season,[3] he became a first-year scholar with the Red Devils in July 2023.[4] During the 2023–24 season he participated in the Red Devils' 2023–24 UEFA Youth League campaign while also making appearances for the under-21 side and training with the first team under Erik ten Hag.[5] He signed his first professional deal on 23 May 2024,[6] subsequently travelling with the first team on their pre-season tour of the United States.[7] In August, he won the Best Forward award at that year's Otten Cup youth tournament.[8] International careerScanlon was born on 28 September 2006, in the Midlands to an English father and Gibraltarian mother,[9] making him eligible to represent England and Gibraltar. He first represented Gibraltar at under-17 level, scoring a brace on his debut as Gibraltar recorded a shock 8–2 win over Liechtenstein on 25 August 2022.[10] The next year he made his under-21 debut in a 2–0 defeat to Georgia in Kutaisi, on 6 September 2023.[11] On 15 March 2024, he was called up to a revamped senior team by head coach Julio César Ribas for their UEFA Nations League play-out against Lithuania. On 21 March 2024, Scanlon made his senior debut as a 74th minute substitute for Liam Walker in a 0–1 loss against Lithuania.[1] On 8 September 2024, Scanlon scored his first goal for his country, as Gibraltar drew 2–2 with Liechtenstein in their opening match of the 2024-25 Nations League.[12] The goal made him the country's and the UEFA Nations League youngest goalscorer at 17 years 346 days, breaking the records previously set by Tjay De Barr.[13] Personal lifeScanlon's mother Gabriella (née Falero) is a former athlete who jointly holds the Gibraltarian record for the women's 4 × 100 m relay.[14] His younger brother, Luca, is also in the youth system at Manchester United, and has represented Gibraltar at youth level. Career statistics
International
International goals
References
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