Manchester United debutant Ethan Wheatley has revealed that Bruno Fernandes told him that he will try and help him ‘get a goal’ in his side’s 4-2 victory over Sheffield United. The teenager became the Red Devils’ 250th academy graduate to make their first-team debut on Wednesday night.
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Erik ten Hag’s side were forced to dig deep to secure an important three points at Old Trafford, with Fernandes sparing his manager’s blushes with a sensational solo display. Jayden Bogle and Harry Maguire were both on the scoresheet in the first half, with Ben Brereton Diaz restoring the Blades’ lead shortly after half-time.
Fernandes then blasted a 60th-minute penalty past Wes Foderingham to equalise before giving United the lead for the first time in the match with just nine minutes left on the clock with a thunderous strike from 25 yards.
Rasmus Hojlund then put the game to bed late on when tapping home Fernandes' cross, and the two-goal lead allowed Ten Hag to rest some of his stars and therefore hand Wheatley his debut. The 18-year-old entered the fray in the 90th minute, replacing Hojlund, and was urged to cap off the moment with a goal by his skipper.
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Speaking to MUTV after his debut, Wheatley revealed that Fernandes told him that he would attempt to create chances for him in added time, explaining: “He pulled me to the side and told me I’ve got nine minutes to try get you a goal.
“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. There were a bit of nerves, but as soon as I was stripped and ready to go, I was excited. It's not been a bad 24 hours.”
Wheatley scored twice night for United’s Under-18s in their 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League Cup on Tuesday, but the talented prospect was unable to make it three goals in 48 hours up against Sheffield United.
Fernandes admitted that he was hoping to assist the teen when speaking after the match, saying: "I think at the end of the game I got a bit too erratic to try and give him a goal. It's a young kid coming through the academy, I know the moment is massive for him and I think getting a goal in his first appearance would be massive. I couldn't give the assist to him, I tried, at moments I rushed it a little bit too much but I'm sure that in the future if he gets more chances, he will get goals too."
