Manchester United U18s had their game of the season on Saturday.
They absolutely destroyed Liverpool’s under-18s, with the final score ending up an embarrassing 9-1 against their bitter rivals. Manchester United fans will be hoping for one thing and one thing only – that the first-team squad can replicate the young Red Devils’ winning ways.
That’s going to be difficult, particularly with the plethora of injuries Erik ten Hag is currently faced with. One major plus is the fact Manchester United do have their top goalscorer in their ranks – Rasmus Hojlund.
He’ll be key if they’re to get a result at Old Trafford. Much like a serial goal-getter in the academy setup was integral to the under-18s victory against the Reds.
Ethan Wheatley scores hat-trick against Liverpool under-18s
One of the main reasons for Adam Lawrence’s side’s dominance this season has to be down to their number nine – Ethan Wheatley.
He got United’s second and third of the day with a quickfire brace, before completing his hat-trick in the second half with yet another ice-cool finish.
Wheatley seriously looks like the real deal. He’ll be looking to follow in the footsteps of Manchester United legends, and some of the greatest goalscorers in the club’s history in the future.
Including Wayne Rooney – who the talented teenager paid homage to against Liverpool.
Ethan Wheatley imitates Wayne Rooney
After bagging his first of the day – Wheatley decided to celebrate in style.
The last time he played the Reds youngsters, he was punched and elbowed in the face by the opposition. Today in response, he did the iconic Rooney boxing celebration to get his own back. Class.
Kobbie Mainoo reacts
Wheatley took to Instagram after the game to celebrate the victory. He posted a simple three-word message that definitely got his point across: ‘Enjoyed that one.’
He was flooded with responses from academy teammates and academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo – who sent him the following message.
Other responses included Charlie McNeill, Gabriele Biancheri and Harry Amass – who could be in the matchday squad against Liverpool for the first-team squad.