Apart from first-team departures, Manchester United are also working on loan exits for multiple academy wonderkids including quite a few members of the club’s treble-winning U18 side.
One of them is Ethan Williams, who had scored 17 goals and registered nine assists for the U18 and U21s last season, and has carried that devastating form into the new season as well.
The 19-year-old has four goals and two assists in nine games, including three goals in four games in the UEFA Youth League and the Red Devils are eager for the talented winger to experience competitive first-team football.
As previously relayed by The Peoples Person, there was a lot of interest from League One clubs including Stockport County and Leyton Orient but Gloucestershire Live have provided an update on Williams’ short-term future.
Williams to Cheltanham
They have revealed that the United wonderkid is set to join League Two outfit Cheltenham Town with the Robins providing the ideal landing spot for the youngster.
“Cheltenham Town are set to sign winger Ethan Williams on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season.
“The 19-year-old is highly regarded as his parent club, helping the Red Devils’ Under-18s win a treble last term, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists.
“He has continued his fine form during the first half of this season, sparking interest from League One clubs including Stockport County and Leyton Orient, but United have opted to send him to League Two Cheltenham.”
Can he catch Amorim’s eye?
Williams will be eager to do well at Cheltenham as he hopes to catch Ruben Amorim’s eye with the left-wing spot potentially up for grabs now that Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho both have been linked with exits.
The former Rochdale starlet was involved in pre-season last summer, back when Erik ten Hag was in charge, but could not force his way into the Dutchman’s plans.
This will not be the first senior exposure for the two-footed attacker who had spent time training with INEOS-owned FC Lausanne back in October.
Interestingly, Williams has also played as a left wingback for the academy and with Amorim desperate for reinforcements in that position, a positive loan could elevate his chances of breaking through come next summer.
Feature image George Wood via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
