Manchester United Academy Faces Changes as Prospects Eye Arsenal Moves

Manchester United’s academy is bracing for change, with two of its more seasoned prospects edging towards the exit and into the sights of a major rival.

James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye, both on the fringes of senior football last season, are in talks over moves to Arsenal. Scanlon, a winger, and Ogunneye, a full-back, each had brief spells in League Two last term — Scanlon at Swindon, Ogunneye at Newport — but remain viewed as players with room to grow at 19 and 20 respectively.

Their potential has not translated into first-team involvement at Old Trafford this summer. Neither featured in Michael Carrick’s pre-season plans, despite United naming 15 academy players in the 25-man squad for the opening friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July. The message was clear: others have moved ahead in the queue.

Ogunneye did turn out for United’s Under-21s in a pre-season fixture against Altrincham on 31 July, keeping his rhythm in the youth ranks while his future is discussed. Scanlon, capped 24 times by Gibraltar and involved in May’s Premier League 2 play-off final defeat to Brighton, missed that game with a minor injury.

The ripple effect may not stop with them. Other Under-21 regulars, who have already sampled loan spells away from United, are also expected to be on the move before the transfer window closes on 1 September.

United’s academy conveyor belt keeps turning. The question now is how many of its older prospects will be stepping off it and into new colours before the deadline slams shut.