Man United have a 'proper centre-forward' in their ranks but Amorim cannot play him in first-team
Manchester United registered a comeback 4-2 victory over Everton to progress to the quarter-finals of the Premier League 2 play-offs yesterday.
Everton came out flying, with Martin Sherif stunning the hosts by scoring twice in the opening half.
Ethan Wheatley netted both equalisers, and goals from Tyler Fletcher and Sekou Kone helped United complete the emphatic turnaround.
United made a surprise decision to include Wheatley in their starting XI.
The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Walsall but has only made four appearances since joining during the January transfer window.
The England Under-19 international signed a new three-year contract with the Red Devils last month.
His last senior outing for United came under caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy in the 5-2 League Cup win over Leicester City in November.
Wheatley showed qualities United need in the first team
Wheatley scored two fantastic goals, with journalist Steven Railston showing praise and describing him as a ‘proper centre-forward‘.
His first goal came alive through an incisive pass from goalkeeper Elyh Harrison.
Wheatley muscled past his marker, brought James Scanlon into the move, and continued his run.
Scanlon teed up Sam Murray, who threaded a perfect ball into the path of the teenage striker.
Wheatley showed great composure to glide past the goalkeeper before putting the ball into the back of the net.
United have sorely lacked a commanding presence up front throughout this turbulent season.
Despite his towering frame, Rasmus Hojlund has struggled to impose himself on opposition defences.
Time and again, defenders have bullied him off the ball with ease, leaving his teammates visibly frustrated.
Hojlund would do well to study Wheatley’s clever movement, first picking out Scanlon and then bursting into the box with purpose.
Wheatley scored the second equaliser right after the break.
He won the ball back inside the box, courtesy of his relentless pressing and smashed it past the shot-stopper.
Manager Ruben Amorim requires his forwards to press aggressively from the front, regaining possession high up the pitch and disrupting the opposition’s rhythm.
Amad Diallo scored a couple of goals in a similar fashion before suffering an ankle injury in February.
Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee must mirror that intensity when they lead the line.
Wheatley has impressed at youth level but has found it tough to play regularly at Walsall.
He is registered with the League Two side, which means Amorim cannot involve him in the senior set-up before the end of this season. Wheatley is only allowed to feature in academy fixtures.
His recent experiences will serve as a priceless learning curve for him as he adapts to the demands of senior football.
If Wheatley finishes strongly with Walsall, he could earn an opportunity to impress Amorim during pre-season.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .