Manchester United Academy Faces Changes with Scanlon and Ogunneye Moving to Arsenal

Manchester United’s academy is bracing for a small but telling shake-up, with two of its more experienced youngsters edging towards the exit and into the sights of a Premier League rival.

James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye, both on the fringes of senior recognition at Old Trafford, are in talks over moves to Arsenal as the London club looks to strengthen its own development ranks.

Scanlon, a winger with 24 caps for Gibraltar, and full-back Ogunneye, are both coming off loan spells in League Two. Scanlon spent time with Swindon, while Ogunneye had a stint at Newport last season. Neither loan turned them into regulars at senior level, but at 19 and 20 there is still a strong belief they have room – and time – to grow.

That next step will almost certainly come away from Manchester United.

The pair were notable absentees from Michael Carrick’s pre-season plans. United named 15 academy players in a 25-man squad for the opening friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July, yet neither Scanlon nor Ogunneye featured.

Ogunneye did start for United’s Under-21s in a pre-season outing against Altrincham on 31 July, a reminder of his standing as a trusted figure at that level. Scanlon, who played in May’s Premier League 2 play-off final defeat to Brighton, missed that Altrincham match with a minor injury.

The sense around Carrington is that they are not the only ones on the move. Other Under-21 regulars, players who have already tasted loan spells away from the club, are expected to attract interest before the transfer window closes on 1 September.

United’s academy has long been a conveyor belt. This summer, it might also become a release valve.