What Bruno Fernandes told Ethan Wheatley ahead of historic Manchester United debut

Bruno Fernandes told Ethan Wheatley that he wanted to get him a goal to make his historic debut even better when he came on against Sheffield United in midweek.

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.

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.

Wheatley is the 250th graduate from the club's youth programme to play in the first team 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.

Speaking after he made his historic debut, the academy forward revealed what club captain Fernandes had told him when he had entered the pitch. “He pulled me to the side and told me I’ve got nine minutes to try get you a goal,” Wheatley told MUTV.

“It's a great club with a massive history, especially in the academy. It's an honour to make my debut and that number 250. There were a bit of nerves, but as soon as I was stripped and ready to go, I was excited. It's not been a bad 24 hours.”