Manchester United have had one major problem this season, a struggle to score goals.
In the Premier League in 2023/24, Manchester United have scored 37 goals in 27 games. Arsenal by comparison have managed to net 68.
United’s goalscoring was beginning to finally improve before Rasmus Hojlund suffered an injury, but he is not expected to be fit this weekend.
Embarrassingly, United’s goal difference this season is minus two. So you can’t blame manager Erik ten Hag for wanting to explore alternatives.
Ethan Williams and Ethan Wheatley get a look
Erik ten Hag has been looking to Manchester United’s academy to explore striking options, with a handful of young players called into first team training, along with 16-year-old winger Bendito Mantato.
In doing so, Erik ten Hag is taking a look at two Ethan’s, Ethan Williams and Ethan Wheatley, both 18.
The teenagers have been in impressive form this season, featuring for both the under-18s and under-21s.
They have scored 28 goals combined, managing to stand out for all the right reasons.
- Ethan Williams in 2023/24 so far
- Goals: 13
- Assists: 8
- Ethan Wheatley in 2023/24 so far
- Goals: 15
- Assists: 3
Both players have helped the under-18s reach the Premier League Cup final, and also go unbeaten in the league this season so far. Each have netted goals for the under-21s, with Williams scoring in their most recent match.
Wheatley has been on a tear lately, netting five goals in his last four matches in all competitions.
Williams has been a regular in first team training sessions over the past month, and has recently agreed to sign a new contract.
Wheatley’s involvement is a new development. He is more of a traditional centre-forward, while Williams is more of a winger.
Charlie McNeill back in the mix
There was another familiar face back in the first team mix, young striker Charlie McNeill, who was staking his claim.
McNeill was the first academy player handed his debut under Erik ten Hag, but since his one substitute showing against Real Socieded in September 2022, he has not figured again.
He was sent out on loan to Stevenage Town early this season and despite scoring early on, he did not retain the faith of manager Steve Evans, and was recalled.
McNeill also featured for the under-21s last week, although the young striker has lost a lot of the momentum he was once picking up in the academy.
Still, with United struggling for goals without a fit centre-forward, it makes total sense for Ten Hag to explore his options, and see if there is anything he likes that can be of immediate, or long-term help.
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