Manchester United have a proud history of handing opportunities to young players, and this continues.
Ethan Wheatley was lauded by supporters after his match winning brace in the under-18s Premier League Cup final.
He has scored 20 goals and provided five assists at academy level this season, growing in confidence as the campaign as gone on.
He was only allowed to play 45 minutes as Erik ten Hag was considering using him in the first team against Sheffield United, and he came on to make his debut last night.
Ethan Wheatley is highly rated
Ethan Wheatley was the topic of conversation ahead of the game at Old Trafford in anticipation of a potential debut.
Former Manchester United academy graduate Danny Simpson has spent some time with his under-18s group and speaks highly of Wheatley.
Speaking to MUTV ahead of kick-off, Simpson said: “Look at the size of him, he’s got everything. I know what he’s capable of.
“He’s a big man and a good finisher, he’s a good kid as well. What I like about him, he’s a bit feisty.”
Simpson added that Wheatley has a lot to learn, but his impressive goal to open the scoring against City in the cup final shows he is making plenty of progress.
Phil Bardsley was also impressed, and told MUTV that the Premier League Cup fianl was the first time he had seen the teenage striker in person.
Bardsley said: “The movement and first touch and composure to finish absolutely sensational. His goalscoring record is phenomenal.
“It was the first time I’ve seen him close up, you want your centre-forward to be big, he looks like he could handle himself.”
Bardley added post game: “I was delighted to see Wheatley make his debut tonight because he is an exceptional player.”
Ethan Wheatley enjoys his debut
Ethan Wheatley handled himself very well when he came on for his Manchester United debut against Sheffield United.
Wheatley, 18, came onto replace Rasmus Hojlund in the 90th minute and was able to play nine minutes of stoppage tine.
He was not afraid to put himself about, even giving away two fouls, and worked hard to get into space off the ball even though he didn’t get a chance to score.
This is just the start for Wheatley, with Manchester United in need of young strikers. We would much rather see him get opportunities than Anthony Martial get another run out.