Manchester United make transfer decision on striker amid Rasmus Hojlund lay-off

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.

Wheatley became the 250th academy graduate to play a first-team game for United when he came on for the latter stages of April’s Premier League win over Sheffield United. In total, he made three first-team appearances for United last season and played in all five friendly matches over the summer.

The signing of Joshua Zirzkee from Bologna had raised questions about Wheatley’s role this season and if a loan move would be in his best interests, especially with United close to signing 16-year-old forward Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal. However, ManchesterWorld understands a decision has now been made for Wheatley to remain at Old Trafford.

Rasmus Hojlund’s injury will keep him out of the team for the first weeks of the season and has highlighted the need for additional options up front. United opted to play without a recognised centre-forward in Saturday’s Community Shield, while Zirkzee was not introduced from the bench.

Last week, reports had claimed Wheatley has officially been moved up to the first team along with Harry Amass and Toby Collyer. He was listed among Ten Hag’s squad on the back of the Wembley matchday programme at the weekend, and has been awarded the no.36 shirt ahead of the new season, having worn 84 last term.

The 18-year-old from Stockport won the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year Award in 2023/24 and edged ahead of Joe Hugill and Charlie McNeill at youth level over the last 12 months. The latter has since moved permanently to Sheffield Wednesday, while Hugill has joined Wigan Athletic on loan.