Apart from first-team stars, Manchester United will also need to take a call about the immediate futures of several academy wonderkids.
Two of the most promising names — Dan Gore and Ethan Wheatley both had loan spells to forget last term.
Both made their first team debuts under Erik ten Hag, with the 20-year-old midfielder becoming the 247th academy graduate to make his debut, while the striker became first team debutant No. 250.
The midfielder joined League One side Rotherham United in January and registered an assist on his debut. However, he subsequently picked up an injury and ended up appearing only two more times for his loan outfit.
Gore back to Rotherham
This was his second successive loan stint marred by injury, and there have been murmurs that United could be open to a sale for the right price.
But The Athletic have claimed that for now, a loan is being considered, with Rotherham pushing to bring him back.
“Dan Gore was injured in his very first game for Rotherham United after they borrowed him in January and only made three appearances in all, but the League One club are now leading the race to take the 20-year-old on loan again.”
As for the 19-year-old striker, he was sent out on loan to League Two side Walsall, where he was expected to shine after impressing for the reserves and in his four senior appearances.
But he played only four matches, with only two of them coming from the start. And not even once did he complete the full 90 minutes.
The Walsall manager even made it a point to vent his frustration with the United starlet’s training displays in public.
His confidence certainly took a beating but he bounced back with some impressive displays for the United U21s in the closing stages of the season, scoring thrice in as many PL2 play-off games for the reserves.
Wheatley followed that up with two goals for the England U19 side in the U19 European Championships.
Following his goalscoring heroics for the Young Lions, the striker had commented how he was desperate to move past his disappointing loan spell and was eager to catch Ruben Amorim’s eye.
Wheatley sold?
But The Athletic have claimed that the Red Devils are mulling over either another loan or could even sell him in case of a suitable offer.
“Ethan Wheatley, 19, will hope for a more productive spell away after a frustrating time at Walsall ended with him making only four appearances in their League Two campaign.
“Another loan is the likeliest outcome, though United may be open to a sale if they receive a suitable offer.”
United are expected to bring in a striker, while they already have Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund. Even if the Dane leaves, both Matheus Cunha and possible next signing Bryan Mbeumo can also play up top.
Not to mention Chido Obi, who impressed the head coach during multiple cameos last season. A loan would serve Wheatley well, but with INEOS operating with a tight budget, a sale cannot be discounted. Especially as he is an academy product, which means pure profit.
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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
