Manchester United have locked down another homegrown talent, handing 19-year-old striker Ethan Wheatley a new contract that ties him to the club until 2028, with an option for an additional year. The move is massive for the young forward, rewarding him for his years of hard work ever since he joined the club at 9.
Wheatley’s journey through the ranks hit a milestone last season when he became the 250th academy graduate to debut for the first team, replacing Antony in the dying minutes of a 4-2 win over Sheffield United. While his senior appearances remain scarce (just four so far), his youth-team performances have turned heads. His performances throughout the U-18s have been massive and scored when it mattered. The youngster was on the scoresheet in last season’s U18 national final against Chelsea and a double over Manchester City in the Premier League Cup final. Those moments didn’t just win silverware, they screamed “big-game player.”
Before shipping out on loan to League Two side Walsall in January, Wheatley was excelling in the Premier League 2, scoring six goals in nine games. But the jump to senior football hasn’t been smooth. At Walsall, who are chasing promotion, Wheatley’s found himself stuck in no-man’s land. Three appearances, two starts, and a total of 152 minutes later, he’s been left out of seven straight matchday squads. The physicality? The pace? The promotion push? It’s all part of the learning curve.
United’s decision to renew his deal mid-loan tells its own story. They’re playing the long game. Wheatley isn’t just a poacher, he’s a 6’2” forward with a knack for link-up play and aerial dominance, traits that align with the “United DNA” the club obsesses over. His Instagram post after signing said it all, “Another proud moment for me and my family.” For a kid from Stockport, those words carry weight.
United are likely to splash cash on a star striker this summer, pushing him further down the pecking order. However, Wheatley has time on his side and a lot of learning to do. Recent signing Chido Obi Martin is currently finding his time in the United team as Amorim’s men face acute shortage of goals upfront. The chance to Obi Martin is rare, usually among the pecking orders of forwards, but desperate times call for desperate measures. With a new striker expected to come, another loan seems inevitable next season for Wheatley, preferably to a club where he’ll start week in, week out. As far as development is concerned, it should be a good move for Wheatley. Maybe League Two? League One? The Championship? The stakes get higher every step.
For now, though, the youngster has earned his moment. As Walsall’s promotion bid heats up, maybe he’ll sneak back into the squad. If not, there’s always preseason and a chance to turn Amorim’s head. One thing’s certain: Wheatley’s new deal isn’t a goodbye but trust in the Youth system. It’s a “show us what you’ve got.” And if history’s any guide, this academy knows how to spot a winner.