One Manchester United loanee delivered a ‘top quality’ performance in a new position on his debut for his new club for the 2025/26 campaign.
Manchester United enjoyed a hectic summer transfer window, securing four new first-team signings, with Senne Lammens arriving on deadline day.
The club also oversaw several notable departures, including Alejandro Garnacho’s move to Chelsea and Antony’s switch to Real Betis, after both were deemed surplus to Ruben Amorim’s plans.
United were equally active in the loan market, sending a wave of academy prospects out to gain valuable first-team experience.
This summer also marked a new chapter for Jonny Evans, who stepped into the role of Head of Loans and Pathways following his retirement from playing. Under his guidance, 14 academy players have been sent out on loan for the season.
United loanee Ennis delivers “top quality” performance
One of the youngsters to head out on loan was Ethan Ennis, who secured a deadline day move to League Two side Fleetwood Town.
Ennis, 20, secured promotion from that division last season when he was on loan at Doncaster Rovers but he will be hoping for more game-time with The Fishermen this term.
Things have started brightly for the United loanee, who made his debut against Accrington Stanley in the EFL Trophy just over 24 hours after his move was confirmed.
He started the game and scored after 75 minutes to bring his new team level, before they went onto win in a penalty shootout.
The 20-year-old had two shots, both of which were on target, two successful dribbles and he also won six of his 11 attempted duels.
“Ethan, like I said yesterday, he’s a top player and I think he’ll settle in well to the group,” manager Pete Wild said after Ennis’ impressive debut.
“He’s shown his quality on his first outing tonight, with a goal as well, and I think that will only improve as the weeks go on and he starts to understand how we play and he starts to show his quality at this level.”
Ennis tested in new position on Fleetwood debut
Ennis has often operated on either flank for United’s youth teams or through the middle as a centre-forward, but in his first Fleetwood outing the 20-year-old played as the no.10.
Of course, Amorim’s side at Old Trafford do not play with natural wingers and those attacking players are more often situated in the half-spaces and pockets.
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While the first-team at United is still a while away, Ennis will be hoping to grow in that position and improve so that he could be a viable option for Amorim in those split no.10 roles.
After spending around £200 million on a new frontline, United should not really be spending loads of cash in the next couple of years on forwards, and players like Ennis might be able to break into the squad as rotation options if they can prove themselves.
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