Manchester United right-back James Overy, who remains firmly monitored by Rangers, is actively pushing for a summer loan exit away from Old Trafford following a major pre-season snub.
Reports from the Daily Mail initially revealed that Rangers recruitment staff have been keeping close tabs on the 18-year-old full-back, with interest also surfacing from several A-League clubs in his native Australia.
However, after being left off Michael Carrick’s first-team travelling squad for their pre-season tour to Scandinavia, the highly-rated teenager is now accelerating plans to secure immediate senior football elsewhere before the transfer window closes.
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Manchester United tour exclusion triggers Overy loan push
Being left behind while the senior group headed off on tour has served as a clear signal for Overy and his representatives to arrange a temporary exit.
Writing via Patreon, transfer insider Alan Nixon provided an update on the defender’s situation, revealing that the Australia Under-23 international is determined to secure regular first-team minutes rather than playing academy football for another season.
The journalist disclosed that the teenager is keen to secure regular playing time elsewhere after being left out of the pre-season squad at United, with the EFL Championship mooted as a likely landing spot.
When pressed on whether Rangers are realistic contenders to land the youngster, Nixon expressed doubts, stressing that Overy’s primary requirement is guaranteed starter minutes.
That is a guarantee that may be difficult to secure in Govan under Derek McInnes, considering Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie are already at the club.
Why Rangers are monitoring the Manchester United defender
Overy’s pedigree makes it easy to see why Rangers scouts have kept him on their radar.
The 18-year-old first caught United’s attention as a schoolboy when he played against West Ham United for Perth Glory in a 2023 pre-season friendly, with the Red Devils later beating out competition from Everton to sign him.
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His dual nationality adds further appeal for Rangers. Having already represented Scotland at Under-19s level before earning Australia Under-20s and Under-23s caps, Overy offers a high-upside option capable of operating at both right-back and right-wing.
While the pre-season tour snub has opened the door for a loan move this summer, Overy’s preference to secure guaranteed starting minutes makes a Championship club significantly more probable.
Rangers may hold genuine interest, but unless McInnes can offer assurances over immediate pitch time, the Ibrox side will likely have to look elsewhere.
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