Ethan Wheatley made history on Tuesday night by becoming the 250th Manchester United academy graduate to feature for the first team.
The 18-year-old was brought on in the 90th minute against Sheffield United at Old Trafford and was able to play nine minutes of stoppage time as the Red Devils secured a comeback win to beat the Blades 4-2.
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Wheatley became the sixth graduate to start under Erik ten Hag and was unlucky to not mark his debut with a goal, despite the efforts of captain Bruno Fernandes.
A chance almost arrived for the pair as Fernandes put in a cross searching for Wheatley at the far post late on, and the youngster later revealed Fernandes’ plan to mark his debut with a goal.
“[Fernandes] pulled me to the side and said ‘I’ve got nine minutes to try to get you a goal’,” Wheatley told MUTV after the game. “So I was just trying to get into positions for him and obviously it didn’t come, but hopefully soon.
“United is a great club with a massive history, especially in the academy. It’s an honour to make my debut and that number, 250. That’s a little bit extra. I was just excited and when I got the call [to come on], there were a bit of nerves, but as soon as I was stripped and ready to go, I was excited and did my best for the team.”
Wheatley may have been unable to net at Old Trafford, but he did score an excellent brace as his Under-18’s side were crowned Premier League Cup Champions following a 2-1 victory over Manchester City just the day before.
The striker’s performance will undoubtedly open the door for more graduates, with defenders Harry Amass, Habeeb Ogunneye and Louis Jackson all named as substitutes against the Blades.
Manchester United return to action on Saturday when they host Burnley, offering an opportunity for further graduates to earn time on the pitch.
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