Young attacker departs on loan
Manchester United have announced that Ethan Wheatley has joined Championship side Lincoln City.
He is joining the Lincolnshire club for the remainder of the season. Recently, he was part of the pre-season touring squad playing against Wrexham. Everton had also been interested in him reportedly.
His new side are on the back of a historic season last year as they won the League One title with ease. It meant second tier football for the first time in 65 years. They have narrowly lost both league games so far. They did win their first round Carabao Cup tie though.
The 20-year-old forward has been with the reds since the age of nine. He has represented the club at every level since then. He made his senior debut in 2024 against Sheffield United. He became the 250 academy graduate to do so in the process. He made a further two league appearances, along with a Carabao Cup game.
He went out on loan to Walsall in January 2025. Both player and parent club were disappointed with his lack of minutes though. His next destination was Northampton Town in August 2025. Having made 22 appearances, and scoring three times, he was recalled in January 2026. Bradford City snapped up his services for the rest of the season. He started brightly enough but found game time hard to come by at the end.
He spoke to the club website on the news: “I’ve had some loans over the past 18 months. I started in League Two, then last season League One so am looking forward to stepping up to the Championship.”
“Lincoln City is a great place for me to showcase what I’m about, but more importantly help the club in what they aspire to do this season.”
Sporting Director, Jez George, added: “We have tracked Ethan since his first loan at Walsall and, after speaking with staff at Manchester United and meeting Ethan ourselves, we know he has benefited from his previous loans and is ready for this challenge”.
“He has the attributes, versatility, maturity and work ethic to make a real impact for us at the top end of our team.”
He is likely to be part of the squad to face Blackpool in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
All the very best to him!
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