Walsall have signed highly-rated Manchester United striker on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Ethan Wheatley has made four appearances for United’s first team, making his Premier League debut as a late substitute in a 4-2 victory over Sheffield United at Old Trafford in April last year.
He will wear number 36 for Walsall and is available for selection against Bradford City at Valley Parade this afternoon.
The 19-year-old scored 12 goals in 16 league games for the Red Devils’ under-18s, playing a key role in their treble victory.
He has also scored six goals for the under-21s in the Premier League 2 this season.
“This is my first loan, so I’m quite excited to get started. The club is now at the top of the league, so I am coming into a winning environment, which I am looking forward to, and hopefully we can keep going for the remainder of the season, and I can help the team perform well,” Wheatley added.
“I received attention from other places, but they didn’t have as many games remaining in the season, and a key part for me is earning game time and trying to play as much as possible in the men’s game and hopefully I can do that and stamp my mark and impress.
“Manchester United set us up for work experience loans previously where we would go to different clubs for a week at a time so I have had a fair few experiences of being round a first team environment now so I am looking forward to settling into this one and hopefully doing well.”
The boss continued: “I have known Ethan for some time and he is a player that I have admired for some time as well.”He’s quick, a big guy, and he wants to score goals, so I’m excited to work with him on his first loan and be a part of his development.
“He is perfectly our style of player; he is a great athlete who we like working with and developing.
“We have had to remain patient for this one, we have had to wait to get him in and I am delighted that he is here.”I’d want to thank everyone at Manchester United for allowing us to be a part of Ethan’s growth, and I look forward to seeing him for the rest of the season with us here.”