Ethan Wheatley has shared a message to Manchester United fans after making his first appearance among the first-team squad.
In a dismal 2-2 Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, club captain Bruno Fernandes was the shining light that saved Manchester United.
The Portuguese Magnifico bagged a brace to save a point for the Red Devils, who fall even further behind in their bid for a Champions League spot. It now looks very unlikely.
It wasn’t a game with much to write home about, but it was a particularly big day for Ethan Wheatley.
Ethan Wheatley in matchday squad vs Bournemouth
The youngster was in the matchday squad for the first time for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth.
Having recently impressed in the United Under-21 and Under-18 sides, Erik ten Hag rewarded the 18-year-old with a spot in the squad.
He recently scored a hat-trick in the young Red Devils’ 9-1 victory over Liverpool Under-18s earlier this month.
Wheatley follows in the footsteps of fellow academy youngsters such as Harry Amass and Habeeb Ogunneye, who have both sat on the bench for a league fixture with injuries wreaking havoc on Ten Hag’s roster.
The striker did not get any minutes, but it will have been a great experience being in and amongst the senior players.
Ethan Wheatley sends message
The youngster took to Instagram a day after the game to share a message to Manchester United fans. He simply wrote: ‘Good experience yesterday’.
Academy teammates such as Joe Hugill, Toby Collyer, Jack Fletcher, Sam Mather and many more all commented showing their support.
Wheatley is definitely one for the future and a player to keep a close eye on. With Rasmus Hojlund still the only out-and-out striker at the club, he may get more chances towards the end of the season.