With Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund struggling against Coventry City in the FA Cup final, there were fans wondering if Erik ten Hag might turn to the teenage forward on the bench.
Erik ten Hag stuck with Rasmus Hojlund in the end, but Ethan Wheatley’s first team debut cannot be far off.
Theunder-18s title winner has deserved his recent first team call-up, and could even be on the bench in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
Wheatley was in the starting line-up for Manchester United’s under-18s side on Tuesday night, for the Premier League Cup final against Manchester City.
Ethan Wheatley inspires Manchester United
“That is sensational”, purred MUTV commentator Liam Bradford. “I thought the angle was too tight,” added Arthur Albiston.
It took eight minutes for Ethan Wheatley to break the deadlock, smashing in a half-volley from an improbably difficult angle.
Wheatley doubled Manchester United’s lead soon after rounding the goalkeeper after a defence splitting pass from James Nolan, his second assist of the night.
18-year-old Wheatley scored with his first two shots on target, and it highlighted the confidence he is playing with right now.
He has now helped United to two trophies this season, and a first team debut could be incoming considering United’s lack of forward options.
New Manchester United technical director Jason Wilcox was in the crowd at Leigh Sports Village, and he will be reporting back favourably to Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United won the game 2-1 with the defence and goalkeeper Elyh Harrison holding off a late City fightback.
Ethan Wheatley numbers in 2023/24
Ethan Wheatley has had a quite stunning 2023/24 season, scoring goals for the under-18s and under-21s.
Wheatley now has 20 goals in total, 17 goals at under-18s level and three for the under-21s. He also has five assists.
He has been on fire in the Premier League Cup too, scoring nine goals in five games during the tournament to lead United to success.
