Ethan Wheatley: Man United loanee’s barren spell continues

Ethan Wheatley’s search for a first goal since joining Bradford City in January goes on after the Manchester United loanee fired blanks during Tuesday night’s 2-0 victory at Port Vale.

The 20-year-old striker, who made headlines last year as the 250th academy graduate to represent United’s first team, was handed 70 minutes at Vale Park and emerged as Bradford’s most threatening attacker. Wheatley registered five attempts, four of which forced saves, and carved out a gilt-edged chance after sprinting from halfway and leaving two defenders in his wake, only to drive the resulting one-on-one straight at the goalkeeper.

Opta data logged the opportunity as a “big chance missed”, underlining both the promise and the frustration of his evening. Wheatley showcased his direct running by completing 100% of his dribbles and winning six duels, yet the elusive goal that would validate his move to League One remains out of reach.

Since swapping Northampton Town for Valley Parade during the winter window, the Yorkshire-born forward has featured regularly for Graham Alexander’s promotion-chasing side but has yet to trouble the scorers. Bradford’s win keeps them firmly in the playoff mix, and Wheatley will hope to end his drought on Saturday when the Bantams travel to fellow high-fliers Wigan Athletic.

United currently have two loanees in active duty, with Wheatley plying his trade in the men’s game while Welsh striker forward is gaining minutes on loan at Sunderland’s women’s team. She returned from international duty having scored twice for Wales against Montenegro but was unable to replicate that form in a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, picking up a late yellow card in her 25-minute cameo.

For Wheatley, the clock is ticking to turn promising performances into tangible returns before the loan window closes on his temporary clubs—and on his confidence.