Historic academy graduate Ethan Wheatley has officially signed a new contract with Manchester United, expressing that it is a “proud moment.”
The forward, currently on loan at League Two leaders Walsall, has secured a deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2028, with an option for an additional year.
At 19 years of age, Wheatley joined United at the age of nine and became the 250th academy graduate to make his first-team debut last season. He made his debut as a late substitute during the Reds’ 4-2 victory over Sheffield United at Old Trafford in April.
Since then, he has made three additional appearances for United, the most recent being as a substitute in the 5-2 triumph over Leicester City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup earlier this season.
Upon signing the new contract at Old Trafford, Wheatley shared on his Instagram: “Amazing feeling to have signed a new deal with this great club. Another proud moment for me and my family.”
Wheatley departed Old Trafford on a temporary basis in January, joining Walsall on loan for the remainder of the season, marking the first loan spell of his career.
However, he has faced challenges in securing regular playing time at the Bescot Stadium, having made only three appearances, with his last inclusion in a matchday squad occurring over a month ago.
Walsall drafted in a crop of new signings in the January transfer window and some of them have struggled to force their way into boss Mat Sadler’s plans.
Speaking last month, Sadler said: “Josh [Gordon] looks like he might be out for a little bit. Ethan, of course, we’re going to need all of them.
“What I will say about Ethan, since he hasn’t been in the squad, he has trained so, so well and put himself in consideration to be on the pitch.”
Wheatley signed his first professional contract at United in January last year.