Ethan Wheatley was one of several academy stars invited to join Manchester United’s first-team training this week.
Manchester United are set to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday as Erik ten Hag looks to pick up his first win in Europe this season.
The Dutchman has some big decisions to make ahead of the trip to Turkey, especially as Kobbie Mainoo is injured for seven games and Jonny Evans is now a doubt after missing training.
But the midweek clash has given Ten Hag an opportunity to assess a handful of younger players and Manchester United confirmed on Wednesday morning that six academy players were involved in first-team training.
Harry Amass, Ruben Curley, Jack Kingdon, Sam Mather, Habeeb Ogunneye and Ethan Wheatley were all involved as United prepared for their Europa League clash.
Ethan Wheatley draws attention in Man United training
Wheatley is one of five players who will benefit most from the Europa League with the 18-year-old forward pushing to break into Ten Hag’s first-team plans.
United’s 250th academy graduate was one of the Man United youngsters to feature in pre-season this summer and he has been dominating at Premier League 2 level.
Wheatley has already made three senior appearances for United and he will be hoping for a fourth on Thursday evening. His best chance of catching Ten Hag’s eye is during training, and it seems he is doing just that.
As per Manchester Evening News reporter Tyrone Marshall, Wheatley was pictured nutmegging Marcus Rashford in a rondo training drill.
The young striker calmly passes through Rashford’s legs while the 26-year-old is trying to regain possession. Rashford quickly holds his head in his hands while others in the drill, including Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are loving it.
Ethan Wheatley deserves his chance at Man United
Goals have been an issue for United this season with only seven scored in the Premier League so far – only three top-flight teams have scored fewer.
Hojlund was “really impressive” against Brentford and will remain United’s first-choice striker, but in midweek games such as the Fenerbahce clash, it could be a great opportunity for Wheatley to make an impact.
READ MORE: Ethan Wheatley scores 45-minute hat-trick for Man Utd U21, sends Erik ten Hag a message
He will have to compete with Joshua Zirkzee up front, with the £36m summer signing struggling for form since arriving at Old Trafford.
Additionally, fellow 18-year-old Chido Obi-Martin will be pushing for his senior debut after joining from Arsenal this summer.
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