Source:Thepeoplesperson
2 Manchester United youngster Ethan Wheatley has been named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year.
He was presented with the honour before United's crucial home game versus Newcastle United yesterday.
Our #MUAcademy Players of the Year #MUFC || @PLYouth pic.twitter.com/BgU8q9A5Nq
- Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 15, 2024
The 18 year old has had an outstanding season, playing a key role for the all-conquering under 18 team who completed the treble with a 2-1 win at Chelsea earlier this week.
Wheatley was outstanding in the match scoring United's first but also had numerous other chances.
The exciting young forward also scored twice in the Premier League Cup final against Manchester City.
In total he has scored 14 goals in all competitions and he made history by becoming the 250th United academy graduate to make his debut for the senior squad.
This honour came in the dying embers of the 4-2 home win versus Sheffield United last month.
All in all, the Stockport native has made three appearances off the bench for the senior side.
The England under 17 international has also joined illustrious company by winning the award, including Kobbie Mainoo last year, whose meteoric rise to the first team was underlined with a crucial opening goal yesterday.
Other notable past recipients of the highly sought-after award include Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
The Director of the Academy Nick Cox said, "Ethan really deserves this award, having represented the club to the highest standard across six different competitions this season. He has excelled at everything that he has been asked to do, both on the pitch, scoring an impressive 14 goals, and off the pitch, within his personal development programme and strong educational achievements."
The youngster will be aiming for a loan next season with a series of Championship teams eyeing him up, according to reports.
Whilst there is a lot to fix at United at the moment, young players being given a chance to shine is not one. This was highlighted with all three goalscorers being 21 years old or under last night.
Wheatley will take a well-earned summer holiday and then come back looking to impress on the preseason training camp and will be eyeing up a tour to America with the senior team to show whoever the boss is, exactly what he can do.
Ethan Wheatley is our Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year!
Plenty more to come from you, Ethan #MUFC || #MUAcademy
- Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 15, 2024