Manchester United will begin pre-season preparations in Norway, and this could be the start of many experiments.
Ethan Wheatley will forever be etched in Manchester Unitedâs history. After featuring in the 4-2 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford in April, he became the 250th United academy graduate to progress to the first team. It was a historic moment for the club as Wheatley was the fourth academy player to make his senior debut last season.
Erik ten Hag doesn’t hand out first-team opportunities to his own players for no reason. Ten Hag has given just six first-team opportunities since arriving at Old Trafford two years ago. Wheatley’s debut saw him follow in the footsteps of Charlie McNeill, Kobbie Mainoo, Dan Gore, Willy Kambwala and Omari Forson.
That shows how highly Ten Hag rates Wheatley. The striker scored 17 goals at youth level last season, playing a key role for the Under-18s as they won a hat-trick of titles. Wheatley will be aiming to go one step further next season and will benefit from the recent addition of Ruud van Nistelrooy to Ten Hagâs coaching staff. The legendary Dutchman will certainly have plenty to teach the 18-year-old.
But whatever Van Nistelrooy teaches Wheatley on the training pitch, the youngster will be hoping to put those lessons into practice in the summer of 2024. United are preparing for a pre-season game against Rosenborg in Norway and Wheatley has been included in the travelling squad.
Wheatley could get the biggest chance. The Red Devils have just four attacking stars with Marcus Rashford a first-team player. Ethan Ennis and Joe Hugill join Rashford and Wheatley to complete the front four. It’s likely that most of those who have travelled to Norway will get some minutes.
Wheatley will be hoping to play nine and lead the line in the absence of Rasmus Hojlund, who remains absent due to Euro 2024, and new signing Joshua Zirkzee, who have been involved in international duty over the summer and have enjoyed a three-week break, opening up opportunities for the club’s young stars.
Before flying to the United States, United play Rangers at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday, meaning Wheatley has two starts this week. At 18, managing expectations is still important for Wheatley. He has only played 13 minutes of professional football, but the Carrington lad’s development is extremely promising.
If the teenager impresses in both games this week by scoring, it will boost his chances of making the squad for the US tour. For a number of reasons, Wheatley is one to watch ahead of the new season.
