While Ethan Wheatley made his first start on loan for Walsall, another Manchester United loanee was in top form elsewhere in League Two.
For the next four months, Ruben Amorim will be keeping a close eye on League Two.
Not for the long ball football often on show, but rather because a handful of the most promising players within the U21 age group are plying their trade here for the remainder of the season.
Ethan Ennis is at Doncaster Rovers, where Amorim will be keeping a close eye on his development. Meanwhile, Ethan Wheatley is also on loan with Walsall – where he started for the first time on Tuesday night.
Tuesday night also saw Joe Hugill struggle in front of goal, while winger Ethan Williams made a cameo for Cheltenham. On the opposing side to Williams was another United academy starlet, Sonny Aljofree.
Sonny Aljofree has a busy night against Cheltenham
Aljofree has been at Accrington Stanley all season, and has been slowly becoming more comfortable with senior football and is really starting to catch the eye.
On Tuesday, Aljofree started on the right of Accrington’s back three and played a key role in the 0-0 draw with Cheltenham as his stats from the game showcase.
- 90 minutes
- 16/25 passes completed
- 61 touches
- 9 passes into the final third
- 6/11 accurate long balls
- 12 clearances
- 5 headed clearances
- 1 interception
- 19 defensive actions
- 1 recovery
- 6/10 duels won
This performance was completely dominant and it led to Aljofree being Accrington’s second-highest-rated player on FotMob – an impressive feat for the 20-year-old
Aljofree has been a regular for Accrington, starting 17 games in League Two. While he is yet to find consistency, his best level is clearly of that above League Two – which should see the 20-year-old on loan higher up the pyramid next season.
Manchester United sent clear message by Aljofree amid Ayden Heaven links
It is clear that the door at Old Trafford is open for youngsters to step up – with Toby Collyer becoming key in recent weeks.
Additionally, the recruitment policy at Carrington is placing a huge emphasis on youngsters which means United’s own academy starlets have a huge chance.
United are set to sign Ayden Heaven, and his arrival will potentially sure up the left side of defence for the coming years. But it also shows the likes of Aljofree and Godwill Kukonki that they have a real chance.
Aljofree’s performance on Tuesday could therefore be interpreted as a clear message for Ineos that he should be in contention to replace Victor Lindelof this summer. This may seem unlikely but he is more proven than Heaven right now, so he will no doubt be eyeing that.
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