Man Utd sent six youngsters on loan in the winter window and there was a late recall on deadline day for a midfielder.
06:00, 04 Feb 2026
United were busy in the loan market.(Image: Getty Images)
Seville and Rotherham were options for Manchester United youngster Gabriele Biancheri in the January transfer window, so you may be surprised to learn he relocated to South Yorkshire on deadline day.
The coal-mining town won, despite being pitted against one of Spain’s most picturesque cities. Biancheri will spend the next few months on loan at Rotherham, whereas Real Betis submitted a permanent bid for the youngster to join their B team, with a view to promoting him to their senior side.
United rejected the bid from Betis and arranged for Biancheri to move to the New York Stadium. The forward’s contract at Old Trafford expires in 2027, meaning there is still time for his value to increase.
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Biancheri has not made the headlines that his peers in the academy may have produced over the last few seasons, but his goalscoring record is impressive: 42 goals in 82 United youth games.
Biancheri has represented Wales throughout the age groups, but his heritage caught the attention of Canada, who called him up to their senior squad last summer. Cardiff-born Biancheri is eligible to represent the nations of his father (Italy) and his mother (Canada), as well as his birthplace (Wales).
United hope Biancheri can continue to score goals for Rotherham. His size could be a sticking point in the football league, but his movement is a strength, and you don’t need to be 6ft to succeed.
It feels unlikely that Biancerhi will make a first-team debut at United, though. The best-case scenario may be that he continues to develop, improve and command a decent transfer fee when he is sold.
Stephen Torpey, head of the academy, is tasked with generating more revenue from sales of young players. Nick Cox raised more than £100million during his time in charge, but it has been identified as an area for improvement.
Torpey helped Manchester City become one of the best exporters of academy players during his time in the blue half of Manchester. He is now trying to do the same job at Carrington.
The academy’s priority is to produce young players for the first team, but the reality is that most will not make a senior debut. United need to obtain higher fees for the academy players they sell, and arranging positive loans with these players will be key to doing so.
Biancheri has a good record in front of goal.(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
That is important context when looking at United’s loan departures in the winter window. United loaned out six players, including Biancheri, most of whose futures will probably lie away from the club.
Ethan Wheatley was recalled from his loan with Northampton. United sources confirmed the club wanted to pursue “an alternative development opportunity”, and he was sent to Bradford City on deadline day.
It was an interesting move. Wheatley made 20 league starts for Northampton and contributed three goals and four assists during his stint. United were pleased with his loan but still decided to recall him.
In the past, game time for young players on loan was the priority, so it initially seemed strange that Wheatley was recalled. The young striker has joined Bradford, though, who are challenging for promotion in League One. In comparison, Northampton are trying to avoid relegation from that division.
Wheatley has made a step up, joining a better team in the third tier, and he will gain valuable experience of being in a promotion-chasing dressing room, but he may not play as much.
There is a possibility that Wheatley starts each game and fires Bradford to promotion, which would do him the world of good, however, it will be tougher for him to force his way into a better team.
From the outside, it seems like United have recalled Wheatley from a club that could be relegated to send him to a promotion-chasing team. United believe that it’s logical to send forwards somewhere they will receive more chances in front of the goal. Perhaps there is a bit of truth in both.
United were happy with Wheatley at Northampton.(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
James Scanlon is another player who United should eventually be able to sell for a reasonable fee. Scanlon joined Swindon Town on loan on deadline day and will try to help them secure a play-off spot.
The 19-year-old missed out on a move in the summer window. Scanlon has outgrown academy football and needed a fresh challenge, so it was a no-brainer to arrange a loan for him.
Scanlon was born in the Midlands but represents Gibraltar on the international stage, and he scored a brilliant goal against the Faroe Islands in a World Cup qualifier last summer. His mature performances for Gibraltar against senior opposition have only enhanced his market value.
The winger scored a hat-trick in front of Michael Carrick at Leigh Sports Village a week before leaving United on loan, and he will be relishing the chance to get a first taste of playing in the English pyramid.
Scanlon will be managed by former Crystal Palace and Blackpool boss Ian Holloway, who is known for his quirks and colourful personality. Scanlon should at least not be bored during his time in Swindon.
Jacob Devaney joined St. Mirren on deadline day. The youngster was born in Barnsley but has represented Ireland’s youth national teams. In November, Devaney started for Ireland’s U21s as they played against England in an Euro U21 qualifying fixture. He was one of the standout performers for his nation against the likes of Jobe Bellingham, Lewis Hall, Rico Lewis and Jamie Gittens.
Devaney should receive regular game time in the Scottish Premiership, and it’s understood the plan had always been for him to leave on loan, despite the move only happening on the final day.
Toby Collyer and Harry Amass spent the first half of the season on loan with West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday respectively. Collyer will see out the campaign with Hull City, and Amass with Norwich City.
Both players have made first-team appearances for United, so their situations differ from those of the other players sent on loan. They could both have long-term futures at Old Trafford.
Collyer is hoping to start consistently for Hull as they look to push for a Championship play-off place, however, Amass picked up a hamstring injury after his arrival and is facing a stint on the sidelines.
Amass enjoyed his time at Sheffield Wednesday. He won successive club player of the month awards, but United were essentially paying for Amass to play due to the Owls’ financial problems.
Finally, the loan deal that went under the radar was Jack Moorhouse’s recall from Leyton Orient, who agreed with United to send Moorhouse back earlier than expected because they are fighting relegation.
Orient felt Moorhouse’s game time could be limited as they attempt to maintain their third-tier status. Their openness about the situation will help them land young players from United in the future.