17-year-old Man Utd whiz sends four-goal message to Erik ten Hag

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Manchester United youngster Ethan Wheatley has showcased his immense talent, scoring four against Southampton in U18s action.

Earlier this week Manchester World reported that Ethan Wheatley was in ‘advanced talks’ over signing a professional contract at Carrington.

Now, just four days after that story broke, he has put in a performance which completely justifies the planned contract and puts Manchester United in a position where they must secure his future.

The new contract for Wheatley would be an effective method of ridding the current interest in the striker. He has taken the next step in his development this season, and his latest display has been the greatest of them all.

Possibly a performance even Erik ten Hag can’t ignore, he could be the next one to step up from the academy. He has already trained with the first team, earlier this year, so the boss likely already knows about him.

Wheatley bags four for United

On Saturday afternoon, as seen on MUTV, Manchester United’s under-18s lined up to face Southampton. Wheatley didn’t wait long as he opened the scoring in the seventh minute, with a real striker’s finish.

Following a delightful team goal, he doubled the advantage with his second in the 36th minute.

It was a hattrick for the 17-year-old before half-time, an excellent finish from the edge of the box left the Saints keeper no chance.

The fourth was scored by Welsh forward Gabriele Biancheri who is an exciting prospect in his own right.

Wheatley then grabbed his fourth from the spot in the 85th minute, capping off what was both a wonderful performance individually and for the team.

Ethan Wheatley stats 2023/24

Today’s four goals in the U18 Premier League Cup took his tally for the season to nine goals in 12 games, along with two assists according to Transfermarkt.

This includes a goal and an assist in the UEFA Youth League, scoring against Copenhagen last time out. Wheatley is showing this season that he is a prospect to be excited by.

The U18s currently sit top of their PL Cup group on six points, and also top of the PL League with a three-point cushion on Liverpool, according to United’s official website.

But Wheatley may not be in this age group for much longer, already making the jump to U21 football in the PL 2, in which he has scored already, in just two appearances.