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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. 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 scored a 60th-minute penalty and a thunderous strike from 25 yards to give United the lead for the first time in the match. Rasmus Hojlund then put the game to bed late on when tapping home Fernandes’ cross. The 18-year-old Wheatley replaced Hojlund in added time and was urged by Fernandes to cap off the moment with a goal.
Speaking to MUTV after his debut, Wheatley revealed that Fernandes told him he would attempt to create chances for him in added time. Wheatley scored twice for United’s Under-18s in their 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League Cup on Tuesday, but was unable to make it three goals in 48 hours against Sheffield United. Fernandes expressed his desire to assist the teen, acknowledging the significance of the moment for the young player. Fernandes admitted that he was hoping to assist Wheatley, expressing that getting a goal in his first appearance would be massive for the young player.
He acknowledged that he couldn’t give the assist to Wheatley in this game but expressed his belief that in the future, the young player will get goals too.