Why Reds Are Sending Starlets To Scotland

Manchester United Under-23s coach Ricky Sbragia has explained why three of the club's youngsters are currently plying their trade in Scotland.

Sbragia, who was born in Lennoxtown and used to work for the Scottish FA, believes life north of the border will be beneficial for Demi Mitchell, Charlie Scott and Matty Willock, who have been loaned to Hearts, Hamilton Academical and St Johnstone respectively.

Another former Reds Academy graduate, Sean Goss, is currently shining with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, while full-back Mitchell scored his first senior goal in the Scottish Cup win over St Johnstone last weekend.

"I think they can deal with it," Sbragia told MUTV. "Demi is showing that in the last four or five games, where he has come in there and it's not a big step up for him.

"No disrespect to Scottish football, but I think he has gone in there and dealt with it. Matty is at St Johnstone and Charlie's with Hamilton and it will change how we see them playing. It's about how Craig Levein at Hearts sees how Demi plays and how he follows the path Craig wants him to play.

"I spoke to Demi and he loves it. He's playing first-team football and is doing extremely well. So there has been this raid over the border all of a sudden and, from their point of view, it is great progression for them and their footballing experience."