Man United prodigy sends message to Erik ten Hag with dazzling performance

Manchester United graduate Ethan Wheatley produced a superb performance in the 5-3 Premier League 2 win over Norwich City on Friday night.

The 18-year-old is considered one of the academy’s best emerging talents, and he was brilliant after coming off the bench at half-time.

The youngster put United U21s 2-1 ahead in the 49th minute before scoring another in the 71st minute to make it 4-1 in the club’s favour.

Norwich reduced the deficit to a goal in injury time, but Wheatley put the result beyond doubt with his third goal of the evening in the 100th minute.

It was a sublime second-half hat-trick from Wheatley and sends a message to manager Erik ten Hag that he is ready to move up to the first team.

Wheatley played just 13 minutes of normal time for United in his debut campaign last season, and he has been an unused substitute in three games this season.

The youngster is unlikely to break into the starting XI with stiff competition from Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, but he could have a bright future ahead of him.

Wheatley is blessed with superb finishing skills and must capitalize on any opportunities presented by the manager over the coming months.

United face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday. Wheatley could be among the substitutes after his sublime second-half performance last night.

The Championship game looks unavoidable for United, given they are already four points behind the top four. They cannot afford to make another mistake after just six matches.

Sofascore.com statistics.