'The opportunity will..' - Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag makes academy vow

Ethan Wheatley made Manchester United history in the victory over Sheffield United in the Premier League.

The 18-year-old made history when he became the 250th player from the club’s illustrious academy to make their competitive debut for the first-team. And United boss Erik ten Hag has made a vow that academy prospects will always get a chance under him at Old Trafford.

Wheatley was introduced in the final minute of normal time as United twice came from behind to defeat Sheffield United 4-2 in the Premier League on Wednesday night. It marked a whirlwind 24 hours for teenager Wheatley, who scored twice on Tuesday night as United’s U18s had defeated Man City 2-1 to win the Premier League Cup.

United boss ten Hag said: “Everyone at Manchester United should be very proud of our record of producing so many players with the quality and character to represent this incredible club. All of us at Carrington feel the responsibility to build on the legacy of the Busby Babes, the Class of 92 and the many others who have contributed to the club’s fantastic history. Strengthening the pathway between the Academy and first team has been one of my priorities as manager, and Ethan is the latest example of this process working well.

“The opportunity will always be open to those with the right talent and winning attitude to pull on the red shirt.”

Meanwhile, Nick Cox, director of academy at United, said: “All of us in the Academy are incredibly proud of this club’s illustrious history of youth development, and we congratulate Ethan on what is a fantastic personal achievement as well as a landmark for the club.  Youth development is an important part of the lifeblood of Manchester United, running through all the great moments in the club’s history, and it is the responsibility of every new generation of Academy players and staff to keep it going. 

“We owe thanks to the many talented coaches and visionary club leaders who contributed to this landmark, including James W. Gibson, Walter Crickmer, Jimmy Murphy, Sir Matt Busby, and Sir Alex Ferguson. And there are countless others behind the scenes, from scouts to kit staff, ground staff to chefs, drivers to teachers who play a vital role in supporting our young players to maximise their potential.”