Manchester United have several exciting youngsters out on loan this season that fans will want to keep an eye on.
Since the Ineos takeover, there has been an emphasis on attracting exciting young talent to Carrington and developing them into superstars.
Recently, Jonny Evans was appointed loan manager after hanging up his boots as a first-team player. He is responsible for finding suitable loan moves for young talents, which often plays a key role in their development.
So far, United have 11 players out on loan for the 2025/26 campaign, including a mix of academy and first-team players.
One loan star who will be desperate to impress and return to Carrington with confidence next summer is Ethan Wheatley.
Manchester United loanee Ethan Wheatley in action for Northampton Town.
Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images
Ethan Wheatley sends message after scoring for Northampton Town
Last season, Wheatley endured a nightmare loan at Walsall which stunted his growth as an exciting young talent.
At Carrington, Wheatley was once highly-rated as a top prospect breaking through to the first team, but it was crucial that he made progress in 2025/26.
He signed on loan for League One side Northampton Town this summer, and manager Kevin Nolan picked out Wheatley for praise early into his spell.
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After a bright start at his new club, Wheatley scored his first professional goal in Northampton’s 2-0 win over Exeter City on Saturday afternoon, and he took to Instagram to celebrate his performance.
Wheatley wrote: “Needed that! Big 3 points and first professional goal to go with it. Fans were top once again.”
Plenty of Wheatley’s former academy teammates at United were quick to respond in the comments, including Godwill Kukonki, Gabriele Biancheri and Joe Hugill.
Ethan Wheatley can begin comeback on loan
During his exciting growth at Carrington, Wheatley was tipped to breakthrough under Ten Hag, but after becoming United’s 250th academy graduate he was never able to cement a first-team spot.
However, Wheatley is determined to make it at United and to achieve that dream he will have to succeed out on loan.
The signs early on this season are promising, with Wheatley earning himself a spot in Nolan’s team.
READ MORE: Ethan Wheatley leads comeback in dramatic 5-5 draw for England under-19s at European championships
Wheatley was criticised during his struggles at Walsall last season, but with his first professional goal now out the way, he can kick on and start to fulfil his exciting potential.
Still only 19 years old, Wheatley can have a bright future ahead of him, and it could be under Ruben Amorim at United.