Manager raves about 'excellent' Man United loanee after goalscoring display

One of Manchester United’s young loan stars has been making brilliant progress down in League One this season.

This season, Manchester United have 18 players out on loan, ranging all the way from established internationals to academy stars looking for their first breakthrough.

Jonny Evans is United’s new loan manager, and he will be keeping a close eye on the club’s young stars, many of whom are impressing at their temporary clubs.

Among them, Carrington graduate Ethan Wheatley is catching attention at Northampton Town.

Northampton manager Kevin Nolan was full of praise for the 19-year-old talent after his latest display.

Ethan Wheatley receives high praise after goalscoring display

Earlier this year, Wheatley signed a new United contract that runs until 2028, but the club felt it was best that he was loaned out to gather experience.

Wheatley is one of United’s brightest prospects, and Evans will be pleased with the noise coming out of Northampton around his performances.

On Saturday, Northampton beat Doncaster 2-1 in League One, with Wheatley on the scoresheet for the visitors.

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Speaking to the Northampton Chronicle after the match, manager Nolan was full of praise for Wheatley’s performance: “I’ve been delighted with him. Goals will come and I’m sure they’ll start flowing.

“I’m not only judging him on goals but not many can finish his goal the way he did. He opened his foot up brilliantly and guided it into the far corner.”

“You need a bit of quality and Ethan showed that and it’s what we’ve worked on with him because he’s got so many good attributes. All his work came to fruition and hopefully that’ll give him a lot more confidence.

“He doesn’t need it because he’s been excellent since he’s been here, but for strikers it’s all about goals and I’m delighted for him and hopefully he can kick on further.”

Ethan Wheatley will return to Man United with experience

Wheatley struggled last season with a disappointing loan spell at Walsall, but he appears to be revitalised at Northampton.

Under Erik ten Hag, Wheatley became Man Utd’s 250th academy debutant, but he struggled to ever cement a spot in the first team, especially after Ruben Amorim’s arrival.

He currently has four senior appearances for United over 18 minutes of football, but opportunities at Old Trafford were going to be hard to come by.

READ MORE: Man United loanee sends message after scoring first professional goal as comeback begins

By going out on loan, Wheatley has featured in every one of Northampton’s League One games this season, meaning he will bring valuable senior experience back to Manchester with him at the end of the season.

Amorim will have a chance to reassess the teenage striker over pre-season before deciding what is the best path to take.

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