Ethan Wheatley is making waves once again in the football world. The Manchester United academy talent played an absolute blinder for England U18s.
Following Manchester United’s FA Cup Final triumph, it’s evident to see that the academy is, once again, a vital source for producing world-class talent.
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho were the match winners at Wembley, two of the newest emergers from the academy, who could be two of the best it’s ever produced.
Who could be the next big academy graduate to light up Old Trafford? Well, Ethan Wheatley is definitely a name that could be floated about, particularly as he’s now impressing at international level.
Ethan Wheatley scores brace for England U18
Alongside Elyh Harrison, Wheatley has been featuring for England U18s over the past week.
It’s the 18-year-old’s first-ever call-up to the U18 side, and it’s safe to say he’s definitely making a good impression.
Last Wednesday, the forward bagged a goal in the young Three Lions’ 4-2 victory over Northern Ireland, but it was in yesterday’s game against Morocco he made his biggest statement on an international stage yet.
England were 1-0 down against the Moroccans, and then Wheatley entered the frame. The Manchester United starlet completely turned the game on its head, bagging two goals which led to England winning 2-1.
Just as he has done for United’s youth sides at times, Wheatley carried the team on his back. He’s shaping up to be a ridiculous player.
Erik ten Hag must fully integrate Ethan Wheatley next season
As past graduates have shown, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. Wheatley definitely fits this bracket.
Manchester United will no doubt sign a striker in the summer transfer window, but as we’ve seen this season with a bucketload of injuries, the squad does need a lot more depth.
Having Rasmus Hojlund, Wheatley and another goalscorer in the mix would be fantastic. Having three interchangeable forwards would have each player striving to do better. Friendly competition.
Wheatley is slowly showing that he could be in the same bracket as Mainoo and Garnacho, Erik ten Hag now just needs to place his faith in the youngster.