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.

Wonderkid James Scanlon has continued where he left off last season

Scanlon, 18, and Jack Fletcher, 17, have shone for the Man Utd academy

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.

After the interval, the birthday kid truly matured as he scored three more goals in only 21 minutes, and Godwill Kukonki, the substitute, also scored.

Jackson Shorrocks was sent off in stoppage time for his second booking at Blackburn.

 

 

However, supporters believe Ten Hag ought to be on high alert right now.

In Sunday’s Premier League matchup at home against Tottenham, several fans pleaded with the Dutch manager to start Scanlon.

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.”