Ethan Wheatley has signed a new Manchester United contractEthan Wheatley has signed a new Manchester United contract
Ethan Wheatley has signed a new Manchester United contract | Manchester United
Man Utd have handed a new contract out to an academy graduate who has already featured for the first-team.
Manchester United striker Ethan Wheatley has signed a new three-year contract, with the option of a further year. The 19-year-old was approaching the final year of his previous deal but has committed his future to the club with a long-term contract as he looks to make the breakthrough at a senior level.
Wheatley made United history last season when he became the 250th academy graduate to make a senior debut for the men's first-team. He featured from the bench in a 4-2 victory over Sheffield United back in April and has made four competitive appearances for the club in total.
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The Stockport-born striker joined League Two leaders Walsall on loan in the January transfer window but has only made three appearances for the club as they go in search of promotion. He has struggled for playing time and not even been named in a matchday squad since a 2-2 draw with Salford City last month.
A proud moment
Ethan Wheatley only made one Manchester United appearance this season before he joined Walsall on loan at the start of the year. The 19-year-old featured from the bench under caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy in a 5-2 victory over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
Taking to social media after the deal was announced on Thursday, he wrote: "Amazing feeling to have signed a new deal with this great club. Another proud moment for me and my family.”
Wheatley was named Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year after a 2023/24 campaign that helped the U18s secure three trophies. He netted 14 goals across all competitions to catch the eye of Erik ten Hag and earn a senior debut and he was included in the 29-man squad for last summer's pre-season tour of the US.
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The teenage striker could get another opportunity under head coach Ruben Amorim this summer but is likely to depart on another loan move to give him a better taste of professional football. Wheatley will face stiff competition from fellow teenager Chido Obi to be given a chance in the first-team next season.
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