Manchester United have enjoyed a first team boost from talented academy stars. More are coming through the system.
The Manchester United under-18s team which won the 2022 FA Youth Cup has already spawned two first team stars, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
While the 2024 side have already been knocked out of this year’s competition, this cohort of under-18s are set on winning everything else in their path.
Manchester United’s under-18s are top of the league, unbeaten with 15 wins and two draws from 17 matches, currently 13 points clear in first place.
At the weekend they reached the final of the Premier League Cup, blowing Crystal Palace away with a 5-0 win.
Ethan Wheatley is scoring goals
One of the stars of the academy campaign at all levels this season has been winger Ethan Williams, who has flitted between the under-18s and under-21s. He has also trained with the first team.
He is not to be confused with Ethan Wheatley, a young striker with less versatility to his game, but one who knows exactly what his role is.
Wheatley is a penalty-box striker, whose attributes include his sheer persistence. He might miss chances, but he keeps going, and becomes even more determined to score.
One notable aspect of his recent goal celebrations at under-18s level recently has been a reluctance to celebrate because he has been so annoyed with himself for missing an earlier chance. That speaks to his mindset. He doesn’t just want to score, he expects it.
Wheatley, 18, is in strong form right now. During his last four games in all competitions, which includes an under-21 game, he has scored five goals.
He has netted in each of his last four games, scoring a brace in the Premier League Cup semi-final against Palace.
This season Wheatley has netted 15 goals in all competitions at academy level. He will be determined to hit 20 before the season is over.
Williams and Wheatley exceed 40 goal contributions
In addition to Ethan Wheatley’s 15 goals, he also has four assists, taking him up to 19 goal contributions.
Young teammate Ethan Williams has 22 goal contributions this season, many more of which have come at under-21 level. Both players will be making the step up next season.
Williams is now training with the first team. Wheatley may be the next to get the call.
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