Bruno Fernandes showcased his leadership skills with a rousing message to an 18-year-old Manchester United talent on his debut.
Teenager Ethan Wheatley was drafted into the United first team for Wednesday night’s Premier League clash against Sheffield United. He had previously been an unused substitute for the draw against Bournemouth and the dramatic FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry City.
Yet it was third time lucky for the striker, who became the Red Devils’ 250th academy graduate to play for the first team when he came on for Rasmus Hojlund shortly after the fourth official’s board had gone up in the dying stages. And with nine minutes of stoppage time on the clock, Fernandes went out of his way to provide the youngster with some motivation.
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"Bruno pulled me to the side and told me I’ve got nine minutes to try to get you a goal,” Wheatley revealed after the game, via the Manchester Evening News. "So I was just trying to get into positions for him and obviously it didn't come, but hopefully soon."
Wheatley could not hide his joy talking with MUTV afterwards, saying: "It's a great club with a massive history, especially in the academy. It's an honour to make my debut and that number - 250. That's a little bit extra.
"I was just excited and when I got the call [to come on], there were a bit of nerves, but as soon as I was stripped and ready to go, I was excited and did my best for the team."
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He was then asked about his goals for the U18s, having scored an excellent brace in the first half of the cup final against rivals Manchester City on Tuesday night before being taken off and rested. Wheatley explained: "As soon as it set off, it felt right as I hit it and thankfully it went in. And then obviously, I got another goal quite soon after.
"That was enough for us to get the win. I think that's the first U18 Premier League Cup won with this club, so it's a great feeling. Hopefully we win the whole thing [the league] with the North versus South final next month. Adam Lawrence and Colin Little, all of the staff really [have helped].
"They've all helped me throughout the season. Last year was a bit stop-start and I didn't really develop as much as I wanted, but this season I've been able to stay on the pitch and work on using my body and other technical bits. I was talking to Colin before the game. I just feel like everything has come into place in these last few weeks, and I'm feeling a lot more confident."
Manager Erik ten Hag lauded Wheatley’s first team cameo, stating: "Credits to the academy, but you also see the club is growing. It's clear, we are improving, there are players coming up to the first team. We are very pleased the 250th academy player made his debut tonight."
