How Ethan Ennis played on Doncaster Rovers debut in FA Cup win vs Hull City

Manchester United loanee Ethan Ennis made his debut for Doncaster Rovers as they beat Hull City in the FA Cup third-round on penalties.

Manchester United confirmed on Friday the loan departure of Ethan Ennis, their first outgoing deal of the mid-season window.

The 20-year-old forward has impressed for the Under-21s this season, netting 10 goals, including a hat-trick against Altrincham in the National League Cup, showcasing his readiness for senior football.

Having regularly trained with the first team under Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag, Ennis has worked hard to regain form following injury setbacks.

He will spend the rest of the season on loan at League Two side Doncaster Rovers, despite interest from higher divisions, to further his development.

The young forward made his debut for Rovers on the weekend as they faced Championship outfit Hull City in the FA Cup third-round.

How Ennis played on Doncaster debut vs Hull City

Rovers provided a solid display at the MKM Stadium and took the lead through Luke Molyneux early in the second half.

However, the hosts responded on the 80-minute mark as Gustavo Puerta fired in an equaliser which allowed Hull to pile the pressure on.

Ennis, who started the game on the bench, was introduced after 84 minutes to play on the left wing, replacing Robert Street.

The United loanee helped his side defend against the ongoing pressure of the Championship opposition in the 30 minutes of extra-time and make it to penalties, which they managed to win.

It was an incredible victory for Doncaster and a brilliant introduction to first-team football for Ennis, who had to focus on the nitty-gritty side of the game.

Asked about the debut from the youngster after full-time, Rovers boss Grant McCann said: “Yeah, look, we didn’t see what he can do in an attacking point of view.

“But he did what he had to do for the team. All the forward players did that for us today.

“The changes were important for us today and it was nice to have the extra one when we went to extra-time.”

Ennis reacts to making Doncaster debut

Ennis was extremely pleased to get off to a winning start in such an incredible fashion in his first game on loan.

“Enjoyable first few days at Doncaster Rovers,” he wrote on Instagram. “Fantastic feeling to make my debut and get through to the next round!”

Many of his academy teammates would have been looking at the result and thinking about their own futures and whether they want to move out on loan.

While some players, such as Kobbie Mainoo, are more likely to move straight into the first-team, it is also extremely useful to go and get opportunities elsewhere like Ennis is doing.

It has recently been reported by the Manchester World that the club are prioritising loan exits for Harry Amass and Dan Gore in January.

Those two players look ready for the step up and will surely be eyeing moves after seeing Ennis’ debut on the weekend.

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