MANCHESTER UNITED fans want Erik ten Hag to hand whizkid James Scanlon the ultimate birthday gift – even better than the four goals he hit.
The winger, who already has six full Gibraltar caps, celebrated turning 18 by leading a 9-0 rout of Blackburn juniors.
Old Trafford supporters responded by urging first-team boss Ten Hag to immediately call up the English-born ace.
Scanlon sprung to attention last season as part of United’s all-conquering academy side.
The young Red Devils won the Premier League North, Premier League Cup and national title.
And they already look capable of repeating such glories this term.
United’s kids have maximum points from five league games, scoring 22 goals.
And Scanlon is a Devils’ apprentice who once more is a sorcerer.
Gabriele Biancheri struck twice, with Zach Baumann, Scanlon and Dante Plunkett also netting as United led 5-0 at the interval on Saturday.
The birthday boy then really came of age after the break, notching three more goals in 21 minutes, while sub Godwill Kukonki scored too.
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Blackburn saw Jackson Shorrocks sent off in stoppage time for his second booking.
But fans reckon it’s Ten Hag who should now be on red alert.
Some supporters urged the Dutch boss to pick Scanlon in Sunday’s home Premier League clash against Tottenham.
One even reckons a wider sprinkling of starlets should also get the nod.
“Play them against Spurs,” he pleaded.
However, most of the focus was on Scanlon, with messages like: “Bring him to the first team.”
Mid-table United have netted just five times in five Prem matches this campaign.
And Ten Hag’s men were also held 1-1 by visitors Twente in the Europa League last Wednesday.
One fan noted the academy’s spree and added: ” The first team hasn’t scored 9 goals so far this season.”
Another posted: “Scanlon shouldn’t be playing u18s football – too good.”
His sharpshooting was labelled an “incredible performance” while more than one supporter raved: “The future is bright.”
Man Utd player ratings vs FC Twente
MANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.
That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.
See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.
Andre Onana – 6
Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.
Harry Maguire – 6
Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6
New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.
Christian Eriksen – 7
Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.
Marcus Rashford – 8
Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.
Amad Diallo – 6
His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.
