Manchester United often send young players out on loan for first-team experience in the hope of seeing them become first-team stars.
Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo rose to first-team prominence at Manchester United without the aid of loan moves.
That isn’t the route for everybody though and there are multiple cases of United talents thriving out on loan before shining at Old Trafford.
David Beckham excelled for Preston North End whilst Jesse Lingard grew into a first-team regular after a number of loan spells.
These experiences can be so beneficial and one United talent is really seen the rewards from a spell away on loan.
Manchester United talent named in Team of the Week
Ethan Williams joined Cheltenham Town in January as United allowed the winger to head out on loan to League Two.
The 19-year-old is a fine talent but competitive action at senior level was viewed as the next step in his development.
The move is working out well so far; Williams recorded a first senior assist last week and followed that up with a brilliant display over the weekend.
Williams bagged a goal and an assist in a 3-0 Cheltenham win over Newport County, helping secure an impressive victory.
Williams’ goal was a beauty too, lobbing the ball home from long range with the Newport keeper in no man’s land.
United will surely have been left dazzled by Williams over the weekend and he has now landed a place in the League Two Team of the Week.
Powered by WhoScored’s ratings, Williams – who landed a huge 8.46 rating – was given a spot on the left wing.
Williams is enjoying a great start to life at Cheltenham and long may that continue as United look for him to kick on with his development.
Manager makes Ethan Williams claim as Manchester United struggle
Williams will, understandably, have dreams of becoming a first-team star at United.
The jump from League Two to the Premier League is huge though and the likelihood is that Williams’ next step will be a League One loan move this summer.
Still, Cheltenham boss Michael Flynn has now claimed that Williams could actually make an impact for United right now.
Speaking to Gloucestershire Live’s Jon Palmer, Flynn joked that Williams would be an asset to a struggling United side under Ruben Amorim.
“If he carries on the way he is, he’d probably make an impact in their first team at the minute,” said Flynn.
“We’re delighted they trust us with him and I’ll do my best to make him as best as we can for the parent club, because he’s a great lad, he wants to learn and I’m pleased to have him,” he added.
Amorim may well take a look at Williams over the summer, but we would imagine that he spends next season away from Old Trafford, especially with other clubs surely interested after such a hot start at Cheltenham.
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