Manchester United have handed several of their academy stars the chance to develop on loan this season, offering them valuable experience away from Old Trafford.
Ethan Wheatley is one of the brightest names on that list, and is currently on a season-long loan at Northampton Town.
Wheatley has made five appearances for the League One outfit but is still searching for his first goal.
He put on a horror display in Northampton’s 1-0 defeat to Lincoln City on Tuesday.
He played for 76 minutes but managed to complete just three passes.
This is a clear indication that he is not able to find any chemistry with his new team members.
The United academy star is also struggling to physically adapt to the challenges of League One.
He failed to win any of his eight duels against Lincoln City.
Poor performances can sometimes be masked by a decisive moment for a striker but Wheatley failed to even register a shot or create a single chance.
Expectations are higher for the 19-year-old as he has already featured four times for the United first team.
The teenager made his senior debut against Sheffield United in April 2024, becoming the 250th Academy graduate to reach the coveted landmark.
He also won Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season.
Due to the heavy competition for places in the senior set-up, United sent him to Walsall on loan in January.
However, he played for only 168 minutes across four appearances.
Wheatley has to work harder, refine his raw talent and fulfil his immense potential.
It has been a tough start at Northampton and the talented striker must aim to find his feet soon.
Stats from Fotmob.com