“He is tall, strong, powerful”: EFL club announces loan signing as manager gushes over United academy graduate

Northampton Town have officially announced that they have signed Manchester United striker Ethan Wheatley on loan.

Poor loan spell last season

The 19-year-old was the 250th academy graduate to make his debut for the senior team in 2024 but has found first team chances severely limited.

He went out on loan to Walsall for the second half of last season but struggled to make any real impression.

Nonetheless, he did sign a new deal in March at Old Trafford.

Increased competition

With the rise of Chido Obi as a senior option and the probable arrival of a striker this summer, Wheatley will likely find senior opportunities even more limited this year.

As a result, it was reported that the club would likely send him out on loan and this has come to pass.

Loan move

Northampton Town have announced on their club website that the League One side “have signed Manchester United striker Ethan Wheatley on a season long loan.”

Manager Kevin Nolan was delighted by the signing and waxed lyrical over the player’s potential.

He asserted, “we are delighted to get Ethan’s signing over the line.”

Nolan also added that “he has played in the Premier League for Manchester United at the age of 18 and you don’t do that without having a lot of ability. I have seen enough of him to know what he is all about.”

The head coach also described Wheatley as “tall, strong, powerful and quick and a really good athlete. We believe he fits in with what we are trying to do, how we want to play and what we need from our strikers.”

✍️ We are delighted to confirm the signing of @ManUtd striker Ethan Wheatley on a season long loan! 🙌

Welcome to Sixfields, Ethan! 👋

Transfer news is brought to you by @TempeoRecruit. 🤝 #ShoeArmy 👞

— Northampton Town (@ntfc) August 1, 2025

Wheatley debut

The club will be hoping that such encouraging words from the boss will result in plenty of action this season at the tough level of League One.

The Cobblers begin their season away to Wigan Athletic later this afternoon, where Wheatley may get the chance to make an impression on debut.

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