Premier League giants Manchester United have announced the departure of “highly rated” striker Ethan Wheatley on loan to League Two title hopefuls Walsall.
The Saddlers have been on the lookout for a new striker after the recall of League Two top scorer Nathan Lowe by Stoke City. They made attempts to secure a reunion with Lincoln City forward Freddie Draper, even seeing a £230,000 bid turned down by the Imps as they look to offer him a new deal.
However, Walsall have now secured their new forward, Ethan Wheatley on loan from Manchester United. The youngster secured his senior debut in April last year in the Premier League against Sheffield United, the first of his four games for the Red Devils.
He also picked up the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, whose alumni includes Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Angel Gomes, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Giuseppe Rossi, and Anthony Elanga amongst others.
What have Walsall Said on the Deal?
Manager Mat Sadler spoke to the club’s website:
“I have known Ethan for some time and he is a player that I have admired for some time as well.
“He is very quick, he’s a big lad and he wants to score goals so he is someone that I am really looking forward to working with on his first loan and I am looking forward to being part of his development.
“He is exactly our type of player, he’s an incredible athlete and he’s the type of player that we like working with and developing.
“We have had to remain patient for this one, we have had to wait to get him in and I am delighted that he is here.
“I want to thank everyone at Manchester United for allowing us to be part of the development of Ethan and I am looking forward to seeing him for the remainder of the season with us here.”
Youth Development Key for Manchester United Transfer Plans
With financial issues at the Old Trafford outfit, the development of their youth players is more vital than ever. As they look for options from within the club rather than being able to buy their way out of trouble. However, this also comes at a time that the new decision makers are willing to depart from the club’s ethos. Rather than the nurturing the club’s graduates they are cashing in on Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. This comes a year after the sale of Scott McTominay.
Wheatley is seen by the club as a potential first teamer in the future. The machine built by Matt Sadler at Walsall is relentless in providing opportunities for their forwards. This may well be a smart loan deal for all involved. He will gain confidence, most likely secure a promotion and also gets senior minutes under his belt.