Man United have confirmed youngster Ethan Wheatley will spend the 2025/26 season on loan at Northampton Town.
Ethan Wheatley has left Manchester United on loan.(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images.)
Manchester United striker Ethan Wheatley has joined Northampton Town on loan ahead of the start of the 2025/26 League One campaign.
The United academy graduate will spend the duration of the season with the Cobblers and will be keen to flex his muscles in England’s third tier for the first time.
Wheatley, who became United’s 250th academy graduate to debut for the first-team in April last year, spent the second half of last season at League Two side Walsall, but struggled for regular game time, making just four appearances.
United still have high hopes for the 19-year-old, who has made four first-team appearances at Old Trafford, and they will be hoping he can make the most of his time at Sixfields.
On completing the signing of Wheatley, Northampton boss Kevin Nolan told the club’s website: “We are delighted to get Ethan’s signing over the line. We have been speaking to Manchester United, Ethan, his Dad and his agent over the last few weeks to make sure everything is right and everyone is happy.
“He has played in the Premier League for Manchester United at the age of 18 and you don’t do that without having a lot of ability. I have seen enough of him to know what he is all about, what his attributes are and to believe that he can come in and be a good addition for us.
“He is tall, strong, powerful and quick and a really good athlete. We believe he fits in with what we are trying to do, how we want to play and what we need from our strikers. With his qualities and what he brings, we believe that he can be a good addition to what is already a sound squad.
“After a loan spell at Walsall last season, he had a really strong summer with England at the Euros and I have been impressed with how eager he was to come here, and how keen he is to work hard and to get going for us.
“We thank Manchester United for trusting us with Ethan. That is a real testament to the club, and our reputation for helping and developing young players.
“He is an important player for Manchester United and we understand, the stage Ethan is at and the progress he is making, that is an important loan for him and they have considered carefully where to send him.
“We are looking forward to working with him, to helping develop him and hopefully this loan benefits all parties involved.”
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