Walsall Sign Manchester United Striker Ethan Wheatley on Loan
01/25/2025 06:22 AM
Walsall have confirmed the signing of Manchester United striker Ethan Wheatley, who has arrived at the Poundland Bescot Stadium on loan for the rest of the season.
"I want to thank everyone at Manchester United for allowing us to be part of the development of Ethan and I am looking forward to seeing him for the remainder of the season with us here."
An Under-18's Premier League Cup winner, 19-year-old Wheatley made his Premier League debut in a 4-2 win over Sheffield United in April 2024 before going on to make a further two appearances for United in the 2023/24 season against Crystal Palace and Arsenal.
Ethan is the 250th academy graduate for United, and was also part of the Red Devils' squad for their Emirates FA Cup semi-final triumph over Championship side Coventry City at Wembley Stadium back in April.
Last season proved to be an incredibly fruitful one on the pitch for the teenage sensation as he shone for United's Under-18's, scoring 12 goals in 16 league appearances, playing a pivotal role in the Under-18s' treble triumph.
Speaking via the club's official website, Head Coach Mat Sadler admitted that he has been a long-time admirer of Wheatley and that he is thankful to those at Manchester United for allowing the Saddlers to be part of the next step in his career.
Sadler said: "I have known Ethan for some time and he is a player that I have admired for some time as well.
"He is very quick, he's a big lad and he wants to score goals so he is someone that I am really looking forward to working with on his first loan and I am looking forward to being part of his development.
"He is exactly our type of player, he's an incredible athlete and he's the type of player that 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 want to thank everyone at Manchester United for allowing us to be part of the development of Ethan and I am looking forward to seeing him for the remainder of the season with us here."
Ethan will wear the number 36 during his time with the Saddlers and is available for selection for this afternoon's Sky Bet League Two game against Bradford City.
