With the January transfer window inching closer on the horizon, Manchester United fans can expect to see several young prospects depart in order to gain vital senior experience.

One Red who’s already attracting interest from potential suitors is Ethan Wheatley. He has featured once for the first-team so far this season thanks to Ruud van Nistelrooy, who granted the youngster a run out in the closing five minutes of United’s 5-2 League Cup win over Leicester City in October.

Wheatley has made the bench twice in the Europa League and five times in the Premier League, though he is yet to do so under Ruben Amorim. His previous three appearances came in the latter stages of last season; his official debut was against Sheffield United on April 24, after which he was granted 12 minutes in total against Crystal Palace and Arsenal.

The 18-year-old has picked up where he left off in terms of his prolific goalscoring form this term, boasting five goals in the Premier League 2 and one in the UEFA Youth League in 12 outings

Alas, the Carrington starlet will be keen to add to his senior minutes after being given a brief taste over the last eight months, and for now, he’s certainly best off doing so away from Old Trafford, where he’s unlikely to be granted many more opportunities given the attacking depth at Amorim’s disposal.

According to writer Graeme Bailey, League One high-flyers Wrexham and Stockport County, who in second and sixth position, respectively, have shown an interest in bringing the teenager on board this winter.

Stockport are bracing for the departure of their own emerging star, Louie Barry, amid suspicions that Aston Villa would terminate his loan agreement prematurely, sending him to a Championship club for the duration of 2024/2025. Wrexham are hoping to add some firepower to their frontline as Paul Mullin’s play has stagnated.