Ethan Ennis has sent a message to Ineos decision-makers, he's ready for the next step

On a night when Travis Binnion’s Manchester United U21 side thrashed Altrincham in National League Cup action, Ethan Ennis was the standout performer.

The academy is the pride of Manchester United right now, and after a 4-0 win against the National League side on Tuesday night, one star has continued to rise.

Amir Ibragimov scored his first goal for the United U21 side, a savvy tap-in that showed his smart ability as he followed the ball in.

The 16-year-old Dagestan-born forward was also raved about by MUTV pundit Ben Thornley who described him as a “joy to watch”.

However, Ethan Ennis will get all the headlines from this game – with a performance that raises big questions for Ineos in January.

READ: Man Utd under-21s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results

Photo by Morgan Harlow – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images

Ethan Ennis scores three vs Altrincham

Seven nights on from Ennis’ impressive assist against Huddersfield, he continued this form by putting three excellent goals past the Altrincham goalkeeper.

As seen in the game – with the highlights on MUTV – Ennis’ three goals were from the very top drawer as he curled number one and two from the edge of the box into the top corner.

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The third was a cool and calm chipped finish which rounded out the 4-0 win.

This took Ennis’ goal tally to nine for the season with the U21s – not to mention his three assists. Impressively a healthy portion of these contributions have come against senior opposition.

With such a dominant performance against senior opposition, Ennis could have his name firmly in the minds of lower-league clubs for a January loan in order to get regular first-team minutes – having proven he is ready for it.

Ineos need to use loans for Manchester United youngsters

While the academy has several players who are having very impressive seasons, some simply need further challenges beyond youth football and this should lead to decisions in January.

Ennis is arguably the top-performing U21 player this season and this should mean he is afforded the chance to head out on loan this season – with a League Two move likely to benefit his game.

It is not only Ennis who should be loaned.

Harry Amass is ready for senior football as well, having not been given this chance with United, a Championship loan could help the 17-year-old’s development. Amid Amass being linked to Aston Villa, the club need to give him either a loan or minutes under Ruben Amorim to avoid losing him.

Finally, Ethan Wheatley should really be sent on loan for similar reasons to Amass, as he looks to get regular football – something which looks unlikely for United, with Gabriele Biancheri establishing himself as the starting No.9 at U21 level.

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