Manchester United's Jacob Devaney Joins Hibernian on Season-Long Loan

Hibernian have completed the signing of Manchester United midfielder Jacob Devaney on a season-long loan, with the Scottish Premiership club holding an option to make the deal permanent.

The 19-year-old Republic of Ireland Under-21 international returns to Scotland for a second loan spell, having impressed at St Mirren during the second half of the 2025-26 season, where he made 18 first-team appearances.

Devaney has been involved with Manchester United's first team during pre-season, scoring in a 5-0 friendly victory over Rosenborg in July after coming off the bench. He is yet to make his competitive debut for the Red Devils but has captained the Under-21 side at 18 years old.

Hibernian head coach David Gray welcomed the signing, saying: "We're really pleased to bring Jacob to the club. He already has experience of Scottish football and knows the demands of the Premiership, which will be important as he settles into the squad."

Gray added: "He's a technically talented young international footballer who is keen to learn and develop, and we're looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the group."

Sporting director Malky Mackay also expressed his delight, stating: "We're delighted to welcome a player of Jacob's calibre to Hibernian FC. He's a young player with an excellent background and, importantly, he already has experience of playing in the Scottish Premiership."

Mackay acknowledged the competition for Devaney's signature, saying: "A lot of clubs were understandably interested in Jacob, so we're delighted that he saw his future at Hibs."

Devaney, born in Barnsley, has been at Manchester United since the age of six. He made his Under-18 debut at just 15 and has represented the Republic of Ireland up to Under-21 level. His father, Martin, is a former Ireland underage international who played for Barnsley from 2005-11.

The midfielder signed his first professional contract with United in 2023. Reports indicate Devaney has also agreed a new contract with Manchester United until 2029, with the player announcing the extension on his Instagram page. The deal has not yet been confirmed on the club's official channels.

Hibernian finished fifth in the Scottish Premiership last season and are set to face Gent in Europa Conference League qualifying. Devaney joins fellow Irish players Jamie McGrath, Owen Elding, and Warren O'Hora at Easter Road.

Meanwhile, Manchester United, under manager Michael Carrick, are undergoing a midfield overhaul this summer, having signed Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans, and Andrey Santos. The club began their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Hull City.