United strike agreement with League One club for insanely talented wonderkid to seal January move – report

Manchester United have struck an agreement for youngster Ethan Wheatley to seal a new loan move, having been recalled from Northampton Town earlier this week. Wheatley recalled United released a statement, confirming that Wheatley was recalled after a six-month loan spell in League One with Northampton. Wheatley joined the side during the summer transfer window. He endured a slow start to life but his form eventually picked up, and he became a key member of the squad under Kevin Nolan. The forward notched three goals for the Cobblers in 25 appearances. It’s understood that United considered his tenure with Northampton a successful one but they felt it was necessary for him to develop elsewhere. Speaking to reporters, a frustrated Nolan expressed his dismay at United’s decision. Nolan noted that Northampton helped develop Wheatley’s game and he simply couldn’t understand why the Red Devils opted to disrupt both his and the club’s progress. A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United were in talks with Bradford over a loan deal for Wheatley and now, the Manchester Evening News reports that an agreement is in place. Wheatley update According to the news outlet, “Manchester United youngster Ethan Wheatley will spend the second half of the season on loan at Bradford City.” “United considered his loan a success, but he will now get the chance to be part of a promotion-chasing Bradford City side. Northampton are trying to avoid relegation from League One.” “United insert break clauses in the contracts of each academy loanee to provide an opportunity to make a recall in January if required, and have taken the opportunity to send Wheatley higher in the third tier.” Bradford are seen as one of the favourites to gain promotion to the Championship this term. Wheatley is unlikely to turn out for the Bantams straightaway because he is recovering from an injury picked up whilst playing for Northampton at Huddersfield last month. Graham Alexander’s side have already added Newcastle United duo Harrison Ashby and Joe White on loan this month, but they face a shortage of strikers after allowing club legend Andy Cook to return to Grimsby. Featured image Pete Norton via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Latest Top Stories… Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!