Ethan Wheatley joins Walsall on loan

Saturday 25 January 2025 09:00

Young Manchester United striker Ethan Wheatley has joined League Two leaders Walsall on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

Ethan became United’s landmark 250th Academy graduate after earning his senior debut last April in a home Premier League match against Sheffield United. He has made a further three first-team appearances since, also travelling on Tour 2024, presented by Snapdragon.

Wheatley’s Old Trafford bow came after a successful few months with the club’s Under-18s, who lifted three trophies in as many weeks last spring. Ethan scored a double in the U18 Premier League Cup Final, eight goals in seven games in the league campaign at that age group, and the opening goal of the national league final at Stamford Bridge.

Wheatley and Harrison receive their awards Video

Wheatley and Harrison receive their awards

This was a really special moment out on the Old Trafford pitch for Ethan Wheatley and Elyh Harrison...

Those performances and his strong development earned him the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.

His overall league record at Under-21s level across the last 18 months is 10 goals in 18 games.

Ethan joins Walsall shortly after his 19th birthday, seeking to build on first-team experience at United with another club.

Mat Sadler’s team have a 12-point lead at the top of the League Two table, and a game in hand.

Congratulations on the move and good luck in the West Midlands, Ethan!

Ethan Wheatley features in our Academy documentary series:

  • Lifeblood: Reds in Europe Video

    Lifeblood: Reds in Europe

    LIFEBLOOD | 'Reds in Europe' follows our Under-19s on a pioneering trip across Europe...

  • Lifeblood: Climbing the Mountain Video

    Lifeblood: Climbing the Mountain

    LIFEBLOOD 4 | 'Climbing the Mountain' follows the path of an Academy player, ending with an epic season finale...

  • Lifeblood: Developing People Video

    Lifeblood: Developing People

    LIFEBLOOD 3 | ‘Developing People’ reveals how our Academy develops outstanding people, as well as top footballers...

  • Lifeblood: Innovation Video

    Lifeblood: Innovation

    LIFEBLOOD 2 | 'Innovation' revealed the incredible science behind young players' strategic development...