Apart from focusing on first-team signings, Manchester United are also trying to perfect their loan game with academy graduate Ethan Ennis becoming the first temporary departure this January.
The 20-year-old has joined League Two outfit Doncaster Rovers till the end of the season and he returns to the Eco-Power Stadium, a place where he had scored for the United U21s during the EFL Trophy back in September.
His performance that night impressed Rovers manager Grant McCann and the League Two side had to beat off competition from teams higher up the EFL pyramid to get the deal over the line.
As suggested by The Manchester Evening News, “Ennis’ move was set to determined by which club could pitch the best plan for his development and Doncaster have outlined how the exciting young winger will fit into their squad.”
Ennis to Doncaster Rovers confirmed
The Runcorn-born star was excited to join Rovers and felt the manager’s trust ensured the deal materialised in the end. “Ever since I was informed that Grant was interested in signing me, it was something I was really interested in,” Ennis told the club.
“Then coming down, meeting the manager and the rest of the lads, I’ve found it really exciting. He thinks I can suit how the team plays, bring my qualities to the team and it go hand in hand. Hopefully it’ll be a success.”
McCann was equally delighted with the capture, claiming Ennis’ ability to play all across the frontline was a major attraction for his side as he seeks to add firepower to propel Doncaster up the League Two table.
“This is a very good signing for us and we’ve had to fight off lots of competition from higher up the pyramid than us. Man United have trusted us with his development.
“He’s a very exciting player. He can play anywhere across the front end of the pitch. As I say all the time, we like to have competition for places at that top end. I think the Doncaster fans will be really excited by Ethan.”
The versatile forward has 10 goals in 15 appearances for the United U21s this season with four of them coming in the PL 2, and was also a part of the senior United team that went on pre-season, impressing in the game against Rosenborg.
Ennis has a future at United
His impressive displays saw the Red Devils agree a new two-year extension with Ennis last summer with his previous deal expiring in 2025.
He had become the first player to move from Liverpool to United in 57 years back in 2021 as the then-16-year-old rejected the Merseyside team’s offer of a new youth contract.
An ACL injury in his knee back in 2022 had stunted his development but since his return, he has been on fire with Ennis building up quite the reputation of being a goalscoring winger.
There is a gaping vacancy on United’s left with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho’s futures up in the air, and Ennis could be the one to profit. Perhaps this loan might be his best chance at catching Ruben Amorim’s eye.
Feature image Ian MacNicol 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
