Man Utd complete first exit of 2025 with U21 star heading on loan – he wowed his new club in September

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Manchester United’s standout U21 player this season has got the loan he desperately needed.

This month there is a long list of academy players seeking to head on loan in order to grab first-team football for their development.

There is no shame in a loan, with David Beckham one notable name to have spent time elsewhere before breaking through.

Of all the academy players, Ethan Wheatley is one who looks set to depart on loan, with Wrexham being reportedly keen.

However, Manchester United have prioritised finding a loan for Travis Binnion’s standout player this season after an electric 10 goals in 15 games this season for the U21s.

Now, this loan has been announced.

READ: Man Utd under-21s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results

Ethan Ennis heading to Doncaster Rovers

So with the January window set to see several youngsters head on loan – finally we have movement with Ethan Ennis now expected to be the first departure for the club in January.

Ennis has been linked with multiple EFL clubs, with game time being a key stipulation of United’s decision-making process of where he would be sent.

Now Doncaster Rovers have announced that they’ve acquired Ennis on loan for the remainder of this season.

This is an interesting loan, as Ennis scored against Doncaster back in September, with the finish being so well taken considering it was against elevated competition – clearly wowing the club as they have swooped for him.

Ennis has thrived against senior opposition this season, also shining against Altrincham which no doubt helped convince Doncaster.

Doncaster sits 7th in League Two which means Ennis will be at a decent team who will dominate the majority of the league – giving the Liverpudlian the chance to impress offensively.

• READ MORE: Manchester United’s Best Academy Players of All Time

Who next for Manchester United?

So with Ennis ticked off the list, United can move on to other names who desperately need a loan or risk stagnating over the next few months.

Harry Amass is the most obvious in need of a loan. With the Championship hosting a number of interested clubs.

Joe Hugill needs to be sent out on loan again after Wigan terminated his deal this week. While Ethan Williams is also not being considered for a move.

One final and left-field option is James Scanlon who has agreed to head on loan.

So in Ineos‘ mind, this will likely be one loan down but still multiple to go.