Manchester United U21s were back in action tonight as they hosted Everton in the Premier League 2 play-off round of 16 at Leigh Sports Village.
The match, which kicked off at 19:00 BST with MUTV coverage beginning at 18:55, also featured a pre-match tribute to former academy graduate Joe Thompson.
Thompson’s inspiring battle with cancer left a lasting legacy at the club.
United’s starting XI for the knockout clash includes Harrison; Ogunneye (c), Jackson, Kukonki, Murray; Kone, T. Fletcher, Moorhouse; Mantato, Ethan Wheatley, and Scanlon.
Ethan Wheatley back at Manchester United on scoresheet
It finished 4-2 to United – Ethan Wheatley netted twice for the hosts.
Wheatley has returned to goalscoring fashion after a turbulent few months.
The 19-year-old returned to United recently after a difficult loan spell at Walsall.
A spell where he struggled for minutes despite early promise.
Wheatley made just three appearances – all in his first week – and hadn’t played since February 1 against Salford City.
Although the move didn’t go as planned, United’s belief in the young striker hasn’t wavered.
The club handed him a new contract earlier this year, reinforcing their long-term vision for his development.
Now back on home soil, he’s already showing signs of rediscovering his rhythm.
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Like Wheatley, goalkeeper Elyh Harrison also returned from loan recently.
Harrison had an impressive stint with Chester where he kept seven clean sheets in 18 games.
Harrison’s recall was linked to uncertainty surrounding Altay Bayindir’s role at the club.
Meanwhile, another returned loanee is striker Joe Hugill, who was recalled from Wigan Athletic in January.
The 21-year-old managed five goals and an assist in 18 games for the Latics but was left out of the squad too often for United’s liking.
According to Samuel Luckhurst, United’s intention is to send Hugill back out on loan this summer in search of regular minutes.
For now, though, the focus is firmly on Leigh Sports Village.
United’s next generation are looking to make their mark in the PL2 playoffs.
Ethan Wheatley’s return to goalscoring form is a timely reminder of the potential he still carries.
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