One of Blackpool’s relegation rivals has been dealt a major blow after Manchester United made a big decision over a young striker.
Premier League giants Manchester United have delivered a major blow to Northampton Town less than two weeks before the Cobblers prepare to visit Blackpool in what already feels like a crucial fixture in the League One relegation battle.
Both sides are sitting just above the drop zone and hold at least a two-point advantage on relegation rivals Burton Albion, Rotherham United, Doncaster Rovers and Port Vale. Despite sitting on the right side of the dotted line, their Bloomfield Road meeting on Saturday week could prove pivotal as both sides look to avoid the drop into League Two between now and the end of the season.
Kevin Nolan’s Northampton are without a win in their past four league games and they have now been dealt a further blow after on-loan Manchester United striker Ethan Wheatley was recalled by the Red Devils.
The 19-year-old joined the Cobblers in August and has scored three goals and provided four assists in 25 appearances during his time at Sixfields - but he has now become the latest United youngster to be recalled from a loan after Toby Collyer, Sonny Aljofree and Louis Jackson returned from respective spells with West Brom, Notts County and Solihull Moors.
Disappointed
Kevin Nolan and Ethan Wheatleyplaceholder image
Kevin Nolan and Ethan Wheatley
Cobblers boss Nolan could not hide his disappointment over the decision but wished Wheatley well for his future career. He said: "We are disappointed Ethan has been recalled but we are proud of the work we have done with him and believe he leaves us a far better player than he arrived. Because of his injury picked up at Huddersfield in December, we were planning to be without him for a period anyway, but we thank Manchester United for loaning Ethan to us and wish him well for his future career.
"I know he enjoyed himself here, I know his family were appreciative of how we looked after him and I know Manchester United were pleased with how the loan went. With Elliott (Moore) joining and new contracts for Kyle and Ross we have already strengthened this window, and with Ethan returning that opens another place in the squad."
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