Manchester United starlet Ethan Wheatley has opened up about his loan spell at Walsall, describing it as a frustrating chapter in his young career.
Wheatley joined United as a nine-year-old and has progressed through the youth ranks.
He made his senior debut against Sheffield United in April 2024, becoming the 250th Academy graduate to reach the coveted landmark.
After spending the first half of the 2024–25 season on the fringes of the senior squad, the teenager was loaned to Walsall in January in search of regular minutes.
The move proved to be a misstep as he logged just 168 minutes across four appearances, barely getting a chance to showcase his ability.
Speaking to PA, Wheatley admitted that he is unsure of his future.
He said (via Independent): “My second half of season has been frustrating, not being able to show what I’m about, really.
“Even if my first (loan) didn’t go well – and it didn’t – I had it in the back of my head, and I was telling staff around the club, it’s not going to define me as a player.
“It’s not going to judge where I end up in the future. I think it’s just like a little blip in my early career, and hopefully I can just bounce back from it going into next season.”
Wheatley also revealed that he has had little interaction with United manager Ruben Amorim.
“Since (Amorim) came in I was away with international camp and obviously went on loan in January, so I’ve not really been around it too much.
“But I want to be a Man United player in the future, but if that doesn’t happen then it obviously wasn’t meant to be. We’ll just see what happens in the future.”
Amorim could look at Wheatley during pre-season
Amorim could have the first meaningful look at Wheatley during the upcoming pre-season.
The 19-year-old is undoubtedly talented and could be transformed into a lethal striker under the right guidance.
He was crowned the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season which put him in the limelight.
He also reminded fans of his finishing ability with a brace for United’s U21s in their 4–2 win over Everton in April.
He led the line for England U19s against Germany in a dramatic European Championship clash on Tuesday.
With the Three Lions trailing 5–1 early in the second half, Wheatley sparked the comeback by netting England’s second goal. The match ended in a thrilling 5–5 draw.
United will commence their pre-season next month and Wheatley will have a golden chance to force his way into Amorim’s plans.
The Portuguese tactician is known for nurturing young talent and giving them real opportunities to grow.
The onus will be on Wheatley to seize the moment and prove he belongs at United.
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