3 Shots, 1 Goal: 19yo Man United loanee finally shows his class in standout League One display

Manchester United loanee Ethan Wheatley delivered a superb display against Doncaster Rovers in the EFL League One on Saturday.

Wheatley is currently on a season-long loan at Northampton Town.

The 19-year-old has not had the best of starts to his loan spell but today’s display could finally help him turn the tide.

Wheatley was tasked with leading the attack and did not disappoint.

Doncaster drew first blood through Ben Close’s deflected strike in the opening half, leaving the Cobblers chasing the game.

Wheatley pulled his side level moments after the restart, showing the instincts of a natural striker.

He produced a precise finish after a free kick from the left found him in space.

The angle was too acute to find the net but his superb finish brought his side back on level terms.

He later used his quick feet and awareness to win a penalty midway through the second half.

Sam Hoskins made no mistake from the spot, putting Northampton 2–1 up.

Manager Kevin Nolan opted to substitute Wheatley in the 76th minute, bringing on defensive reinforcements to protect the lead.

After the match, Nolan was full of praise for his young striker and challenged him to build on this momentum.

He said (via NTFC.co.uk): “I am really pleased for Ethan, it was a great finish and hopefully that goal will see him kick on again.”

The young centre-forward fired three shots on target, made two tackles but lost nine duels.

Wheatley won United’s Young Player of the Year award for 2023/24 and became the 250th Academy graduate to play for the senior set-up.

His last senior appearance for United came under caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

With a performance full of promise, Wheatley will be hoping this marks the start of a scoring streak that strengthens his case for a role in United’s 2026–27 campaign.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .