For 18-year-old striker Ethan Wheatley, the past two days have been nothing short of a dream come true.
He recently celebrated Manchester United’s victory in the North Youth League Championship, followed by a stellar performance in the Youth League Cup where he scored twice to help secure the championship.
Wheatley just won North Youth League Championship
Following that, he was promoted to the first team and made his debut, becoming the 250th academy graduate to do so in Manchester United’s history and the fifth under Ten Hag’s tenure.
Since 1937, Manchester United has maintained a tradition of including academy graduates in every official match, a tradition that continues to thrive.
The 18-year-old Wheatley
Youth development has become a unique tradition at Manchester United, distinguishing them as a footballing powerhouse.
The Class of ’92 and the famous Busby Babes have made youth development a cherished aspect among United fans.
Since Forson’s debut, who became the 249th academy graduate to do so in Manchester United’s history, the club has been eagerly awaiting the 250th debutant.
The 250th Manchester United Academy graduate
It was thought that injuries to left-backs would make Amass the 250th debutant, but it turned out to be Wheatley.
This season has been a dream for Wheatley. He scored 8 goals and provided 2 assists in just 7 appearances in the U18 league, and scored even more in cup competitions.
Additionally, he performed well for the U21 team, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists.
Wheatley is unbeatable at the U18 level
In total, he scored 20 goals and provided 5 assists across all competitions.
For a player already at the U18 level, such performance is remarkable. It’s worth mentioning that McNeil, who scored 600 goals during his youth development, didn’t score as many after joining the U18 league as Wheatley did.
Wheatley was promoted to the Manchester United U18 team in 2022 and signed his first professional contract only in January this year.
Wheatley currently is Manchester United’s U18 player
When he was first promoted to the U18 team, he and Lacey were considered among the most technically skilled players.
Wheatley makes his debut for Manchester United
Local fans have summarized Wheatley’s characteristics: he’s fast, adept at controlling and turning in the penalty area, has good balance with both feet, and has a sharp sense of positioning, making him a rare technical striker in Manchester United’s youth ranks.
However, based on his performance in the U18 league, Wheatley prefers to drop deep to receive the ball and then play it directly to his advancing teammates.
Wheatley has a tall stature
Despite being tall (estimated at no less than 185cm), this doesn’t affect his pace. He rarely relies on his speed to overwhelm opponents but prefers to use changes in rhythm to create space.
At the beginning of the season, his ability to compete was relatively weak, but it’s clear that this ability has gradually improved.
