Manchester United have confirmed the loan departure of another academy star.
Ethan Wheatley has joined Northampton Town on loan for the 2025/26 season.
The 19-year-old forward has already made his senior debut for United under former manager Erik ten Hag.
He became the 250th Academy graduate to play for the first team after coming the entire way through the ranks at Carrington.
He featured three more times for the senior set-up, with his last appearance coming under caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Wheatley starred at the academy level, winning the club’s prestigious Young Player of the Year award for 2023/24.
With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee competing for the number nine spot, Wheatley was sent on loan to Walsall in the second half of last term.
He endured a frustrating spell at the League Two club, making merely four appearances.
He was not selected in the United squad for their pre-season trip to the US, as the club focused on sending him out on loan again.
The young forward needs regular game time to get back to his best and show why he is rated highly internally at the club.
United are aware of his high potential and rewarded him with a new contract in March.
Northampton finished 19th in League One last campaign.
They could offer Wheatley valuable experience, but the striker must also focus on making a strong impression from day one.
If he can find the back of the net regularly, Ruben Amorim may integrate him into the senior set-up for the 2026-27 season.
Dan Gore, Sonny Aljofree, Joe Hugill, Elyh Harrison, and Radek Vitek have also moved to their respective new clubs after securing loan transfers.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
