MANCHESTER UNITED have named Ethan Wheatley in the matchday squad to take on Bournemouth.
It is the first time the striker has made the Man United senior squad for a match since signing his professional contract.
Wheatley, 18, will come into the team due to fitness concerns for manager Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman will be without Anthony Martial, while Marcus Rashford is also doubtful.
The teenager has impressed for the Red Devils Under-21s and Under-18 sides this season.
He starred in Man United’s stunning 9-1 mauling of Liverpool’s Under-18s.
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During the match, Wheatley was fired in a hat-trick, and the achievement came just days after his 18th birthday.
His performances at club level have seen him be capped for the England Under-17s.
He will now get his chance in the first team at the Vitality Stadium.
Ten Hag also has concerns over his defensive options for the match on the South Coast.
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Tyrell Malacia is a long-term absentee while Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw will all miss the match.
Midfielder Scott McTominay is also due for a late fitness check as the club attempts to win their first match in three attempts.
In recent weeks the club have lost to Chelsea 4-3 at Stamford Bridge and drawn games to Liverpool and Brentford.
Man United lost the reverse fixture at Old Trafford 3-0 as Dominic Solanke, Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi all scored.
A result for Ten Hag would be huge as the club are trying to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive.
The Red Devils are currently 7th in the Premier League and 11 points behind 4th-placed Aston Villa.
Mainoo’s breakthrough
KOBBIE Mainoo has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the last year, going from academy prospect to one of the first names on Erik ten Hag’s team-sheet in just 15 months.
January 10, 2023 – Makes full debut for Man Utd at Old Trafford in 3-0 win over Charlton in the Carabao Cup.
February 19, 2023 – Comes on for the final ten minutes in a 3-0 home win over Leicester for his first Premier League action.
July 27, 2023 – After looking at home in the starting line-up in United’s opening pre-season games the youngster limps off with an injury just minutes into clash with Real Madrid.
November 26, 2023 – Has to wait four months to return before being handed first Premier League start away to Everton in a 3-0 win.
November 29, 2023 – Makes Champions League debut, coming on for the final 32 minutes in a 3-3 draw away to Galatasaray.
January 28, 2024 – Scores first senior United goal, sweeping home from just inside the box in a 4-2 win over Newport County in the FA Cup.
February 1, 2024 – Follows first goal up with stunning 97th-minute winner in rollercoaster 4-3 win at Wolves.
March 17, 2024 – Ian Wright and other ex-pros question Mainoo’s omission from Gareth Southgate’s England squad after stunning performance against Liverpool.
March 19, 2024 – Handed first senior England call-up for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
