Manchester United might discover a new first-team option this week

Ethan Wheatley will forever have his name etched in Manchester United history.

After stepping off the bench in the latter stages of the Reds' 4-2 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford in April, he became the 250th United player to graduate from the academy to the first-team. It was a landmark moment in the club's history and he became the fourth academy player to debut for the senior squad last season.

Manager Erik ten Hag does not hand out first-team opportunities without reason, only awarding six since he arrived at Old Trafford two years ago. Wheatley's debut saw him follow in the footsteps of Charlie McNeill, Kobbie Mainoo, Dan Gore, Willy Kambwala and Omari Forson.

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That highlights how highly Ten Hag rates Wheatley. The striker scored 17 times at youth level last season, playing a key role for the Under-18s as they scooped a hat-trick of trophies.

Wheatley will have ambitions of taking the next step in his career this term and benefiting from the recent addition of Ruud van Nistelrooy to Ten Hag's coaching staff. The legendary Dutchman will undoubtedly be able to teach the 18-year-old a thing or two.

But whatever it is that Van Nistelrooy may teach Wheatley on the training ground, the youngster will hope to put those lessons into practice on the pitch this summer.

United will get their pre-season preparations up and running against Rosenborg in Norway on Monday and Wheatley has been included in a 25-man travelling squad packed with youngsters, who will each be hoping to take advantage of big-name absences.

Wheatley might get the biggest chance. United have named just four