Manchester United have made a big loan decision on one young star ahead of a new interim manager being appointed with Michael Carrick the favourite to take over
Ethan Wheatley has returned to Manchester United after a loan spell at Northampton Town(Image: (Photo by Cat Goryn/Shutterstock))
Manchester United have recalled Ethan Wheatley back from his loan spell at Northampton Town, with a new interim manager set to take the reins this week. The 19-year-old striker made a big impact at the Cobblers, scoring three goals and providing four assists in 25 appearances during the first half of the season.
BBC Sport has reported that there’s considerable interest in the young forward from other clubs. Given Northampton’s current position – fifth from bottom in League One – it seems likely that Wheatley could be headed for a club higher up the league ladder.
However, any potential move may be delayed due to an injury he sustained in a match against Huddersfield in late December. Despite missing the last two league games, he was a regular starter for Northampton, leaving head coach Kevin Nolan both ‘disappointed but proud’ following United’s decision to cut short his loan stint.
Nolan said: “We are disappointed Ethan has been recalled but we are proud of the work we have done with him and believe he leaves us a far better player than he arrived.
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“I know he enjoyed himself here, I know his family were appreciative of how we looked after him and I know Manchester United were pleased with how the loan went.In that announcement confirming his early exit, Wheatley added: “.
In the announcement confirming his early departure, Wheatley said: “I have loved my time at Northampton Town. I’m very grateful to the manager and the staff who put their trust in me and helped me every single day, both on and off the pitch.
“I’d also like to thank the supporters for their backing home and away who have been superb this season. It has also been a pleasure sharing the dressing room with a great group of lads and I wish the club and everyone connected with it all the very best for the future.”
Wheatley’s departure is unlikely to be the sole major decision or announcement made this week, with United anticipated to shortly name a new caretaker manager until the end of the campaign. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick have emerged as the two remaining candidates, with United having held direct talks with both last week, according to the Guardian.
Carrick appears to be the former United favourite who has edged ahead in the running, with some senior squad members reportedly expressing reservations about the prospect of Solskjaer returning for a second stint. Darren Fletcher has occupied the dugout for United’s previous two matches since Ruben Amorim’s dismissal and was questioned about his own immediate prospects following the loss to Brighton.
He said: “I have to report tomorrow morning [Monday] to Carrington, that is all I know. I will find out tomorrow morning. I have had zero indications.
“All my focus has been on this. It is a massive responsibility to lead this club and I have given it my best and I am disappointed not to win a game.”
Whoever replaces Fletcher confronts a challenging opening period, with the Manchester derby followed by a journey to face league leaders Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. One silver lining for the next manager is that Amad and Bryan Mbeumo will be available for selection.
Both Ivory Coast and Cameroon were eliminated at the quarter-final stage of AFCON, while Noussair Mazraoui’s Morocco have advanced to the semi-finals.
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