Manchester United have opted to recall striker Ethan Wheatley from a season-long loan deal at League One’s Northampton Town.
The 19-year-old made history in April 2024 when he became the 250th academy graduate to make a senior first team appearance. He was brought on in the final minute of a 4-2 win over Sheffield United by then-manager Erik ten Hag, before making two more substitute outings before the end of the campaign.
Wheatley was offered the opportunity to gain some regular first team minutes last season for the first time in his career was he joined League Two outfit Walsall on loan in January 2025. However, his time at the Bescot Stadium was one to forget and he returned to Old Trafford having taken to the field just four times.
Northampton Provide Excellent Platform
The teenager is highly rated at the Theatre of Dreams and the decision was made to test him at a higher level last summer. Northampton won the race for his signature, and it is a move that proved to be the ideal fit.
The attacker had been a regular fixture in Kevin Nolan’s starting XI prior to the New Year, making 25 appearances in all competitions. Although he hasn’t been prolific, his output had been gradually starting to improve in recent weeks, with two goals and three assists in his last nine league starts.
🗞️ We can confirm that Ethan Wheatley has been recalled by @ManUtd.
We thank Ethan for his time at the club and wish him well for the future.
This news is brought to you by Tempeo Recruitment.#ShoeArmy 👞 https://t.co/3frlD5gxno
— Northampton Town (@ntfc) January 12, 2026
Despite that, the Cobblers continue to struggle in League One and are languishing dangerously close to the relegation places. Two successive 0-0 draws mean they now sit 20th, two points clear of Burton Albion in 21st.
Manchester United Keen To Test Wheatley
Earlier today, both Northampton and Manchester United confirmed that a decision had been made to cut short Wheatley’s season-long loan at Sixfields. It now appears as if there is a plan for the second half of the campaign, with Mail Online journalist Nathan Salt claiming the Red Devils are keen for the England under-20 international to test himself at a higher level.
From United’s side this has been a really successful loan.
Been recalled by Utd because of interest from other clubs (he will go back out for second half of season) + want to test him at a higher level/different environment #mufc https://t.co/GPNqUYT0tq
— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) January 12, 2026
It is also claimed that the forward is likely to remain in League One, albeit with a team in the hunt for promotion. Cardiff City currently top the division, whilst Lincoln City sit in second. The Imps have built an excellent reputation for nurturing young talent in recent years and have played a key role in the development of the likes of Brennan Johnson, Morgan Rogers and Morgan Whittaker.
An easy link to make is also Huddersfield Town, who are currently managed by former United goalkeeper and coach Lee Grant. Elsewhere, former Premier League side Luton Town sit just outside the play-off places, with manager Jack Wilshere revealing at the beginning of the month that he is looking to add more attacking threat to his squad before the end of the transfer window.