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Erik ten Hag is almost close to facing the same situation as last season following Rasmus Hojlund’s pre-season injury which is likely to keep him out for six weeks.
The Dane’s injury means Manchester United only have new signing Joshua Zirkzee as their only recognised forward but it would be unwise for the Dutch manager to rely too heavily on the 23-year-old considering this is his debut campaign in England.
Last season, Ten Hag had to keep playing the Denmark international due to Anthony Martial’s injury woes and Marcus Rashford’s off-field issues.
Fans have implored INEOS to strengthen further with recent links with Ivan Toney and Evan Ferguson emerging but the Red Devils do not have the cash to splurge on the Premier League duo.
Forward options
The manager has already identified Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho and Rashford as stop-gap false nine options, which is exactly how the team played against Manchester City in the Community Shield.
But following the Mancunian’s disappointing display against the cross-town rivals and with Sancho’s future up in the air, the club need a focal presence up top.
That is why Manchester World have revealed that academy sensation Ethan Wheatley will not be leaving on loan this summer and has been added to the first team squad along with Toby Collyer and Harry Amass.
Ten Hag had played Wheatley in all five pre-season games but he did not appear during the Wembley clash. Last season, the 18-year-old ended up making three first-team appearances, becoming the 250th academy graduate to make his first-team debut.
Wheatley’s future
“Ethan Wheatley is set to remain at Manchester United this summer with no plans for the youngster to depart on loan.
Several underage players are expected to leave on short-term deals in the final weeks of the transfer window, but Wheatley won’t be one of them, with Erik ten Hag keen to retain the striker’s services until at least January, when the situation will be assessed again.”
The young striker won the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year Award for his exploits last season as he scored 14 times for the various age-group teams.
Wheatley will be hoping to make the most of his opportunities when given the chance. With Charlie McNeill no longer part of the club and Joe Hugill leaving on loan, he must ensure he makes his mark for the reserves to catch the manager’s eye.
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