Following the successful loan spell of Nathan Lowe in the first half of the season, who was recalled by Stoke City in January, Walsall FC, in search of a new striker, has secured the services of Ethan Wheatley. The England U19 international, who has been on loan from Manchester United, will join the Midlands club for the remainder of the season.
A Prolific Striker to Replace for Walsall
Nathan Lowe, who was loaned from Stoke City to Walsall for the first five months of the season, left a lasting impact in League Two (the fourth tier of English football), contributing 15 goals and 5 assists in 22 appearances. His performances helped Walsall top their league (with a 12-point lead over second place), and personally, Lowe returned to his parent club, Stoke City, after scoring on his first match back. Eager to replace such an influential forward, the club from the outskirts of Birmingham has brought in the young Ethan Wheatley, who just turned 19, on loan from Manchester United.
Wheatley’s First Senior Experience
On the bench this afternoon against Bradford, Wheatley was immediately included in the first-team squad, with the intention of integrating him quickly as a starting forward. Known for his finishing ability and particularly his intelligence in movement and positioning, Wheatley could make his debut as early as today. Continuing the legacy of Manchester United’s youth development, and following in the footsteps of players like Amad Diallo, a successful loan could help him break into the Red Devils’ first-team or at least into more regular rotation. Last year, under Erik Ten Hag, Wheatley had the opportunity to make his Premier League debut, becoming the 250th player from Manchester United’s academy to play for the first team, continuing the remarkable tradition of at least one academy player being part of the matchday squad since 1937. Although Wheatley has been on the first-team bench five times this season in the league, he has yet to play, instead featuring for Manchester United U21s in the Premier League 2, where he scored 6 goals in 9 appearances earlier in the season.
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