Manchester United academy graduate has been recalled from his loan spell as the club cashes in on the heightened interest for the forward.
Manchester United have recently recalled Carrington academy graduate Ethan Wheatley from his loan spell at Northampton after a spike in interest for the 19-year-old.
Wheatley joined United’s academy at just nine years and has flourished at the club since. Wheatley signed his first professional contract in January of 2024. Since signing his contract, Wheatley has made his first team debut for the Reds in a 4-2 Premier League victory against Sheffield United.
During the summer, Wheatley left United and joined League One side Northampton Town to embark on what was supposed to be a season-long loan. However, he has now been recalled from his loan spell, with other clubs already expressing interest in the youngster.
The intention is for Wheatley to spend the second half of the season elsewhere, with it seeming likely he will still remain in League One.
What club is next?
Journalist Luca Bendoni reported that Man United are in talks with Bradford City about a loan deal for Wheatley that will last until the end of the season.
Bradford currently sits third in the League One standings, just six points off the top spot and in good form to get a promotion up into the Championship at the end of the season.
This is incredibly different to Kevin Nolan’s Northampton side, who find themselves at 20th in the table, actively fighting relegation. Despite the club’s poor first half of the season, Wheatley has had a very successful loan spell with the club.
The England under-20 international has been a regular in the starting XI, making 25 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring three times and assisting four goals.
The reason for Wheatley’s recall can be put down to Northampton’s unsuccessful campaign season so far. Although Wheatley is making progress under Nolan, United is likely to find Bradford City far more appealing for the young players’ development.
The move not only benefits Wheatley but also United, with the club wanting its players to be tied to a team fighting for the top spot rather than battling at the bottom.
Will the move be beneficial
The likelihood that Wheatley will spend the rest of the season with Bradford appears high. United have no intention of the striker spending the rest of his season at Old Trafford, as this would only limit Wheatley’s development due to a lack of minutes.
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Alongside this, Bradford have a specific interest in the player, so if all bides well, Wheatley could be part of Graham Alexander’s promotion earning side at the end of the season. All that’s left to do between the two clubs is to finalise the deal before the February deadline date.
Wheatley has already shown this season that he’s a player who can adapt and improve at a new club, with this challenge being the perfect opportunity not just to increase his technical ability but also to strengthen his mindset.
This bodes incredibly well for United, who have a contract with the 19-year-old till 2028. It helps Wheatley develop as a player by giving him consistent senior minutes without keeping him at Carrington and risking having to release him from the club due to lack of progress.
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