Bruno Fernandes’ gesture to Ethan Wheatley after he pulled him to one side on Man Utd debut sums him up

During Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Sheffield United, midfielder Bruno Fernandes took 18-year-old debutant Ethan Wheatley aside in a moment that epitomized his character.

Wheatley, who had recently scored twice for United’s under-18 team in a victory over Manchester City, achieved a milestone by becoming the 250th academy player to feature for the club’s first team. With eight minutes left on the clock and United holding a 4-2 lead, Wheatley replaced Rasmus Hojlund, joining the likes of Harry Maguire and Fernandes himself on the pitch.

Despite having limited time to make an impact on the game, Ethan Wheatley didn’t get many opportunities to showcase his abilities. However, his teammate Bruno Fernandes was eager to involve him in the action. In a post-match interview, the Portuguese midfielder candidly discussed his efforts to support Wheatley, highlighting his willingness to help the young debutant settle into the team.

“I think at the end of the game I got a bit too erratic to try and give him a goal,” he told MUTV.

“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.”

Fernandes also expressed his admiration for Wheatley, emphasizing that the young player should be immensely proud of his first-team debut. “I hope he had his family and friends here today to witness this moment because it’s truly unforgettable,” Fernandes remarked. “It’s an experience he will cherish forever.”

In his interview with Manchester United’s official channel after the match, Ethan Wheatley, the Stockport-born striker, provided insight into Bruno Fernandes’ on-field conversation.

“He pulled me to the side and said: ‘I’ve got nine minutes to try to get you a goal’. So I was just trying to get into positions for him and obviously it didn’t come, but hopefully soon.”

Wheatley expressed his pride in representing his boyhood club, describing it as an “honour.” Reflecting on his emotions when called upon to enter the match, he admitted to feeling some nerves initially. However, once he was ready to step onto the pitch, he embraced the excitement and focused on giving his best for the team.

Erik ten Hag commented on the remarkable streak of having a Manchester United academy graduate involved in every matchday squad since 1937 following Wednesday’s victory.

“Credit goes to the academy, but it also reflects the growth of the club,” he remarked. “It’s evident that we are progressing, with players ascending to the first team. We are delighted that the 250th academy player made his debut tonight.”