Manchester United’s young striker Ethan Wheatley has signed a new contract, securing his future at Old Trafford until the summer of 2028, with an option for an additional year.
The 19-year-old, currently on loan at League Two leaders Walsall, expressed his delight on Instagram: “Amazing feeling to have signed a new deal with this great club. Another proud moment for me and my family.”
Wheatley, who joined United at age nine, made history last season as the club’s 250th academy graduate to debut for the first team, coming off the bench in a 4-2 Premier League win over Sheffield United in April 2024 under Erik ten Hag.
Wheatley’s journey has been marked by promise. He’s made four senior appearances, including a recent outing in United’s 5-2 Carabao Cup victory over Leicester in November 2024.
His loan move to Walsall in January 2025 aimed to provide regular minutes, but he’s struggled for game time, featuring in just three matches.
Despite this, Walsall boss Mat Sadler praised Wheatley’s attitude: “Since he hasn’t been in the squad, he’s trained so well and put himself in consideration.” Sadler also noted injuries have stretched the squad, adding, “We’re going to need all of them.”
The Stockport-born forward shone in United’s academy, scoring twice in the Under-18 Premier League Cup final against Manchester City in 2024, helping secure three trophies that season.
His debut came with a memorable moment—Bruno Fernandes vowed to set him up for a goal, though it didn’t materialize. Fernandes’ backing underscores Wheatley’s potential, which United are keen to nurture with this new deal.
Though his Walsall stint hasn’t yet ignited, Wheatley’s six goals in nine Premier League 2 games this season show his scoring knack.
With competition from new signing Chido Obi and established stars like Rasmus Højlund, his path to the first team remains challenging. For now, this contract reaffirms United’s faith in their homegrown talent as he aims to carve out a bigger role.
