Manchester United youngster Ethan Wheatley has been linked with a loan move to Dutch second-tier side SC Cambuur in the January transfer window after impressing for the u18s
A young Manchester United star whose talents have wowed the likes of Wayne Rooney and Bruno Fernandes could be heading out on loan.
Ethan Wheatley’s services have previously been courted by Ryan Reynolds ‘ Wrexham and their League One rivals Stockport County. However, in a blow for the Hollywood-owned outfit, the 18-year-old is now being linked with a move to Dutch second-tier side SC Cambuur in January, as per local media outlet the Leeuwarder Courant.
A switch to the Netherlands is likely to be seen as a better destination for the forward to develop his career than North Wales. Wheatley was a star performer for United’s under-18s last season, scoring 12 goals in 16 league appearances between academy ages.
His achievements came as he played a key role in the u18s claiming a treble. Much to their delight, United won two of those trophies at the expense of local rivals Manchester City.
Wheatley scored twice against City to win the PL Cup at Leigh Sports Village and was watched from the stands by none other than United legend Wayne Rooney, who the Manchester Evening News reported would have been impressed by his brace.
Last season, Wheatley also became the 250th player from the club’s academy to make a senior bow at Old Trafford. He reached the major milestone when he was substituted onto the pitch in a 4-2 win against Sheffield United on April 24.
Wheatley said on the night: “It’s 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.” He added: “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.”
He later revealed that shortly before he came on, his teammate Bruno Fernandes promised to provide him with an assist. The hot young talent was unfortunately unable to mark the occasion with a goal despite the best efforts of the United captain.
Wheatley told MUTV afterwards: “He (Fernandes) pulled me to the side and said, ‘I’ve got nine minutes to try to get you a goal.’ So I was just trying to get into positions for him, and obviously, it didn’t come, but hopefully soon.”
Whilst he was unable to set him up on that occasion, Fernandes has backed Wheatley to score plenty of goals in his career. He said: “I tried to give him a goal because he is a young kid coming through the academy; I know the moment is massive for him and getting a goal in his first appearance would be massive.”
He added: “I couldn’t give the assist for him but I tried, at the moment I rushed it a little bit too much. If he gets chances in the future he will get his goals too.”
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