Marcus Rashford was left embarrassed by one Manchester United starlet during training
The Manchester United team
One Manchester United academy star caused headlines after training with Marcus Rashford(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
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Ethan Wheatley was once tipped for great things at Manchester United. The striker became the club's 250th academy graduate to represent the first team when he made his debut in a 4-2 victory over Sheffield United back in April 2024.
Having caught the eye in the academy, Wheatley was among a number of youngsters brought into first-team training in October 2024 as Erik ten Hag readied his side for their forthcoming Europa League encounter against Fenerbahce.
And the young forward — aged just 18 at the time — certainly left his mark. During a training drill, Wheatley received a pass with Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee closing him down, before cheekily nutmegging the former with a neat flick through the legs.
Visibly stunned by the nutmeg, Rashford momentarily stepped away from the drill with his head in his hands. The moment, caught on camera, showcased the camaraderie within the United camp, as a grinning Rashford swiftly rejoined his teammates to share a laugh over the cheeky piece of skill.
Wheatley has since been shipped out on loan on three separate occasions over the past two seasons after failing to nail down a regular spot in United's first team. He initially left the club for League Two outfit Walsall in January 2025, but managed just four appearances without scoring.
Last August, he joined League One club Northampton Town on a season-long loan, going on to become a regular fixture for the side, netting three goals in 25 appearances across all competitions. However, United recalled him from his loan in January before shipping him out to fellow third-tier outfit Bradford City for the remainder of the campaign.
Following his recall, Northampton boss Kevin Nolan acknowledged that Wheatley had developed considerably during his time at the club and expressed his dismay at losing the forward. "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," Nolan said.
"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." His time with the Bantams has proved far from productive, with the youngster still yet to find the net in 11 league outings.
Northampton Town's Ethan Wheatley
The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Bradford City(Image: Cat Goryn/Shutterstock)
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Speaking to The Yorkshire Post in early March regarding Wheatley's barren run in front of goal, Bradford City's Antoni Sarcevic said: "Ethan's a young lad who is finding his feet in the EFL.
"I still think Ethan is doing brilliantly for us. I know he'll pride himself on goals but I think what he gives to us is really good. The goals will come if he keeps going." Rashford is also spending the campaign out on loan, of course, with the forward now having fewer than three months remaining on his temporary spell with Barcelona.
The winger has rediscovered his best form with the Catalan giants, registering 10 goals and 13 assists in 39 appearances, with the reigning La Liga champions well-placed to defend their title.
Ethan Wheatley of Manchester United is seen during Manchester United v Rangers
Ethan Wheatley made four senior appearances for Man United(Image: Getty Images)
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Regaining his confidence and sharpness in front of goal has also earned Rashford a recall to the England setup, as he looks set to feature at his third World Cup this summer.
Due to return to Manchester at the end of the season unless Barcelona trigger his £26million purchase option, Rashford has previously made no secret of his wish to stay in Spain on a long-term basis.
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