Ethan Wheatley has committed his future to Man United by signing a new long-term deal at Old Trafford.
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Manchester United youngster Ethan Wheatley.
Ethan Wheatley has signed a new deal at Old Trafford.(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
Historic academy graduate Ethan Wheatley has signed a new contract at Manchester United, admitting it is a "proud moment".
The striker, who is currently out on loan at League Two table-toppers Walsall, has signed a deal that will see him remain at Old Trafford until the summer of 2028, with the option of an additional year.
Wheatley, 19, joined United at the age of nine and became the club's 250th academy graduate to debut for the first-team last season. He made his debut as a late substitute in the Reds' 4-2 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford last April.
He has since made three further appearances for United, the last of which saw him step off the bench in the 5-2 win over Leicester City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup earlier this season.
On penning a new deal at Old Trafford, Wheatley posted on his Instagram page: "Amazing feeling to have signed a new deal with this great club. Another proud moment for me and my family."
Wheatley left Old Trafford on a temporary deal in January, joining Walsall on loan for the remainder of the season. It marked his first loan spell of his career.
However, he has so far struggled for regular opportunities at the Bescot Stadium, being restricted to just three appearances. He was last included in a matchday squad more than a month ago.
Walsall drafted in a crop of new signings in the January transfer window and some of them have struggled to force their way into boss Mat Sadler's plans.
Speaking last month, Sadler said: "Josh [Gordon] looks like he might be out for a little bit. Ethan, of course, we're going to need all of them.
"What I will say about Ethan, since he hasn't been in the squad, he has trained so, so well and put himself in consideration to be on the pitch."
Wheatley signed his first professional contract at United in January last year.