Ethan Wheatley’s debut brings up 250 academy debuts for Manchester United | OneFootball

Manchester United got back to winning ways as they beat Sheffield United 4-2 on Wednesday night.

Familiar defensive frailties and chaotic moments that have punctuated the season were as usual on show at Old Trafford but Bruno Fernandes, as he does time and time again, was the difference maker for United.

His two goals and one assist propelled United to victory and into sixth place in the league.

However, what the night will most likely be remembered most for was when Under 18 hero, Ethan Wheatley, came on as a substitute in the 89th minute of the match, to become the 250th Manchester United academy graduate to represent the club.

The Stockport-born youngster was fresh from his heroics on Tuesday night, when he scored a brace as United beat City 2-1 to win the under 18s Premier League cup.

The young striker also recently scored a hat-trick as the Red Devils U18s destroyed Liverpool 1-9.

The Old Trafford side have a rich history of blooding youngsters and in 1931, Tom Manley became the first academy product to represent the club.

93 years later, Wheatley became the 250th.

The club also boasts the proud of record of having an academy graduate be a part of every matchday squad since 1937, a record that no United manager would ever dare break.

It is fitting that the amazing milestone would be reached in this season, because in spite of the darkness of the current campaign, the team’s commitment to youth has been a shining light of hope that things will get better.

Academy products Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have been two of the side’s most influential players and even the much-maligned Scott McTominay has contributed with 10 goals from midfield, including the opening strike in the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City.

From the days of Bobby Charlton and George Best, the Class of 92 of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs and the newest generation, the Red Devils will always believe in three ideals.

Youth. Courage. Success.

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