After an unforgettable week, Ethan Wheatley will go down in Manchester United lore.

However, many at Old Trafford are keeping their fingers crossed that the 18-year-old striker may one day be a real game-changer for the club.

4Ethan Wheatley made his first team debut for Manchester United on WednesdayCredit: Getty4He became the 250th academy graduate to play for the United first teamCredit: Getty

When he made his debut for the main team against Sheffield United, he came off the bench.Image source: Getty

He was instrumental in United’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City in Tuesday night’s Premier League Under-18s cup final, scoring both goals.

Seeing the game from the stands at Leigh Sports Village, the club’s new technical director Jason Wilcox was no doubt pleased.

In the 4-2 victory over Sheffield United that took place in stoppage time, Wheatley made his first team debut just one day after being substituted.

This was a significant milestone for United as the attacker, who was born in Stockport, became the 250th academy graduate to play for the first team.But his skill and goal-scoring have been making headlines for a while now, as anyone who follows the Carrington junior teams can tell you.

He exacted the ultimate form of vengeаnce earlier this season after being unfairly targeted during a match against Liverpool, an old foe.

In the second match, he scored a hat trιck and celebrated one of his goals with a boxing jibe. The final score was 9-1.

It was the same one that Wayne Rooney made famous, the one that caused him to collapse in front of his teammates.

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It is obvious that the child is well-versed on United’s past. In 2022, before Ronaldo’s second stint at United soured, he was ecstatic to see the Real Madrid star behind the scenes at Carrington.

Although Wheatley hadn’t officially joined with United until January, he had been working with the first squad for some months before to that.Not only did he score four goals against Southampton Under 18s earlier in the season, but he also had hauls against City and Liverpool.

Being a swift and deft attacker, he can use either foot with ease and is renowned for his suԀԀen changes of direction within the penalty area.

He may be over 6 feet 1 inch tall and conventionally a No. 9, but he possesses the speed and a technique to go past opponents.

Some have drawn parallels between him and Danny Welbeck, an ex-England attacker who had promising early career at United.

There have been approaches from lower-league clubs about loaning him out, but they have all been turned down.

United intend to bring him along on their preseason vacation to the United States, especially because Anthony Martial will not be available and a number of players have international obligations.

He won his first cap a few years back against Poland and has already played for England at the Under 17 level.

However, his frequent use of a Malaysian flag in his social media posts makes it difficult to sаy whether he is someone to get excited about for Three Lions supporters.

During his childhood, his family made frequent trips to Kuala Lumpur, which is the hometown of one of his grandparents.

On Wednesday, captain Bruno Fernandes gave Wheatley a warm welcome as he made his debut and promised to do all in his power to help him score.

“Bruno pulled me to the side and said: ‘I’ve got nine minutes to try and get you a goal!'” the youthful striker recounted.

I was only attempting to get that position for him; it has clearly not materialized, but I am hoping that it will in the near future.

Unfortunately, United fans are still holding out hope that he will play a larger role in the team’s future.

After the fact, Fernandes reiterated that Wheatley’s inclusion was due to his merit and not only to make up for ten Hag’s squad’s absences.

We hope he has more opportunities, and it’s a moment he’ll always remember,” the United captain added.

The management has faith in him, therefore he gets an opportunity. I realize it’s a huge deal, so I attempted to set a goal for him.

“He will capitalize on opportunities as well.”Even though Wheatley was unable to score, the game was nevertheless memorable for him.

“Making my debut is simply an honour,” he stated after his performance. Additionally, the 250 adds a touch of class.

4Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes did what he could do give Wheatley a debut goalCredit: Getty