Manchester United’s academy continues to be a rich source of talent, producing players who go on to make their mark across the Football League and beyond.
Each season, clubs across England keep a close eye on former Red Devils youth products, recognising the technical and tactical foundation instilled during their time at Old Trafford.
Recent summers have seen a number of Manchester United academy graduates move out on loan or permanent deals, seeking first-team experience to further their careers.
Many of these players have used loan spells to showcase their ability, attract attention from higher leagues, and accelerate their development into seasoned professionals.
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One such player now taking the next step is Michael Mellon, the 21-year-old striker who has signed a season-long loan deal with Oldham Athletic from Burnley, as Oldham announced via their website.
Michael Mellon began his footballing journey at the Manchester United Academy before moving to Burnley at under-16 level in 2019, where he quickly emerged as one of the Clarets’ brightest prospects.
His scoring instinct and ability to find space in the box earned him recognition and paved the way for multiple loan moves to gain senior experience.
Mellon featured for Morecambe during the 2022/23 season, making eight appearances, before returning for the following campaign.
In 2023/24, he made a significant impact by netting the first professional hat-trick of his career in a 4–1 win over AFC Wimbledon.
Over 27 appearances that season, he scored 15 goals before being recalled by Burnley in January 2024.
Following this, he spent time on loan at Dundee, contributing three goals and two assists in 14 games.
Mellon also had shorter spells with Stockport County and Bradford City, where he played 15 times and helped the Bantams secure promotion last season.
On the international stage, Mellon has represented Scotland at multiple youth levels, scoring his first goal for the under-17s against Sweden in February 2020.
He received a call-up to the under-21 squad in September 2023, making an appearance off the bench in a 3–1 win over Hungary.
Now at Oldham Athletic, Mellon will be looking to continue his development, adding goals and experience to his record while gaining valuable playing time.
For United followers tracking their academy alumni, it is another reminder of the long-term influence the club has in shaping talent across English football.
