Ethan Hamilton scout report: The next big thing at Manchester United?
As per a report from The Scottish Sun, Manchester United midfield sensation Ethan Hamilton could be allowed to leave the club on loan in the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old is a regular for Ricky Sbragia’s U23 side but manager Jose Mourinho is keen on the midfielder gaining some first-team experience and wishes to loan him out for the rest of the season. (h/t The Scottish Sun)
There were reports of interest from a number of Scottish clubs in the last summer, where Manchester United already have several players away on loan – Demetri Mitchell (Hearts), James Wilson (Aberdeen) and Matty Willock (St. Mirren). And now Hamilton also looks set to follow suit and move to the Scottish Premiership in the winter window. (h/t The Scottish Sun)
Amid the rumours, let’s take a closer look at Hamilton and why is he held in high regard at Manchester United;
Footballing Background
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland on October 18th, 1998, Hamilton began his footballing journey with Hutchison Vale FC back in 2004 at the age of six – the same academy as former Manchester United midfielder and Scotland international Darren Fletcher. Having risen through the youth ranks at the club, the midfielder was scouted and signed by the Red Devils in 2015 at the age of 16.
The Scotsman first featured for the Manchester United U19s in the UEFA Youth League, making three appearances in his first year at the club. He then went on to make his debut for the U18s in August 2016. Hamilton shone brightly for the team and soon broke into the reserves team as well. He finished the 2016/17 season with 8 goals and 3 assists in 22 matches for the U18s.
The midfielder became a regular for the U23s from the 2017/18 campaign onwards and has gone on to make 36 appearances till date, 10 of which have come in the ongoing season. He has two assists in the 36 matches but is yet to score a goal.
Hamilton has represented the Scotland U19 international team on seven occasions, having made his debut back in October 2016.
Style of Play
A versatile operator, Hamilton has mainly been deployed as a central midfielder this term, but can easily slot in on the left side of the midfield and even deputize at left-back as he has done at various youth levels in the past.
The 20-year-old is a box-to-box midfielder, much like Darren Fletcher, and has the capability to impact the game in both halves of the field. Possessing a towering physique, the Scotsman is technically sound, has the ability to hit fierce strikes at the goal and backs it up with solid work-rate off the ball while also being an aggressive tackler.
Having captained the Manchester United U18s on occasions, Hamilton has also demonstrated natural leadership attributes at a very young age.
What does the future hold?
It has become somewhat of a rarity to see Manchester United youngsters breaking into the first team these days. In fact, only Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and more recently Scott McTominay are the only academy graduates who have established themselves at the senior level.
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And Hamilton seems like he has what it takes to make the step up the big league. The midfielder clearly possesses great promise and potential and a loan move away at this point in his career would certainly do him a world of good while also aiding his push to the first-team at Manchester United.
