26 goals this season: Manchester United teenager makes first-team case with international brace

Manchester United forward Ethan Wheatley strengthened his case for a first-team role next season with a brilliant brace on international duty last week.

The 18-year-old netted two goals for England U18s in their 2-1 comeback with over Morocco, just days after he also scored in their 4-2 win over Northern Ireland.

England were losing 1-0 against Morocco on Saturday when Wheatley came off the bench before he netted twice, one with a close-range finish on his left foot and the second with an impressive volley on the turn.

It means Wheatley finished the 2023/24 season with 26 goals across all competitions, an impressive haul for the forward as he looks to make his mark at senior level. The teenage forward is one of those expected to get a chance during the pre-season tour this summer when a host of senior players will be away on international duty.

A decision will then be made on whether or not he leaves the club on loan next season, though they could keep him for back up purposes given the lack of options they have in central attack.

Wheatley made history last month when he became the 250th academy graduate to represent United at first-team level since Tom Manly became the first in 1931. It means that academy graduates now make up roughly half of all players ever to play for the club.

For a player to be eligible for the list they must have joined the club before the age of 18, not made their senior debut prior to joining United and represented the club in a youth age group team.