‘Clever’ Man Utd talent grabs his first senior goal contribution on loan, he’s already a regular

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One of the very best Manchester United prospects has been impressing on loan thus far.

Before the January transfer window opened, several Carrington talents needed a loan in order to aid their development.

So far, four have got the move they needed while there are likely still another two in the form of Dan Gore and Harry Amass yet to come.

Ethan Wheatley has already got into the Walsall starting line-up, meanwhile, for Carlisle, hopes of avoiding relegation are pinned on Joe Hugill who is goalless thus far.

Ethan Ennis is also on loan, with his addition to Doncaster Rovers being lauded by manager Grant McCann who labelled Ennis as ‘clever’.

Now, the 20-year-old has got his first goal contribution for the League Two side.

• READ: Every single Manchester United loanee for the 2024/25 season

Ethan Ennis gets an assist for Doncaster Rovers

Wednesday night saw the footballing world gripped by the Champions League which saw 18 games on all at once.

But in League Two, Ennis started his second successive game for Doncaster and it was a much happier night for the Liverpool-born, United youngster.

Ennis got his first-ever senior assist, setting up Luke Molyneux’s second and the Rovers’ third of the night.

It was an assist which wouldn’t have ranked as a high expected assist, but nonetheless, it gets Ennis off the mark in his senior career – in only his second start.

Ennis played 80 minutes and was very impressive in the game once again.

• 80 minutes
• 14/19 passes completed
• 1 chance created
• 1 assist
• 37 touches
• 2/2 tackles won
• 1 clearance
• 3 defensive actions
• 5 recoveries
• 5/8 ground duels won

Ennis also impressed at the weekend, and already he looks to have become a key figure of McCann’s team.

• READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date

Manchester United will be delighted with one aspect of Ennis loan

Ennis has hit the ground running with Doncaster and this will delight Darren Fletcher and Jason Wilcox, as it shows the way forward for United.

For years, academy players sent out on loan by United were badly placed. This is why United were evaluating offers based on game time and suitability to the player before loans this month.

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

This resulted in for example the situation Gore had last season at Port Vale, where he made one appearance. Despite injury, after his loan ended Gore was immediately back training with United which suggests he was fit while on loan.

Ennis has joined a side that attacks well and scores plenty of goals, so it was well-arranged and has given him the chance to succeed. A template for United going forward with loans, something Wheatley has already benefitted from.