Manager remarkably announces his team’s next opponents have signed Man Utd star – before the club itself

Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann has announced that Bradford City have signed Ethan Wheatley – before the Bantams or Manchester United themselves.When addressing the press ahead of his side’s...

Manager remarkably announces his team’s next opponents have signed Man Utd star – before the club itself
Manager remarkably announces his team’s next opponents have signed Man Utd star – before the club itself

Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann has announced that Bradford City have signed Ethan Wheatley – before the Bantams or Manchester United themselves.

When addressing the press ahead of his side’s trip to Bradford in Saturday’s early kick-off slot, McCann weighed in on his opponent’s team news, saying: “They’ve signed Ethan Wheatley, whether he’s available… if it gets announced today (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday), we’ll see.”

Ethan Wheatley to Bradford City: The state of play

(Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

In fairness, it hasn’t been the best-kept secret by either club involved in the deal.

Wheatley had spent the first half of the campaign gaining some crucial first-team minutes on loan with Northampton Town, during which he made 22 League One appearances, scoring three goals and contributing three assists.

Then, United opted to recall the 20-year-old from his spell this month in order to test his exploits elsewhere.

He is now poised to make the leap from 22nd place to fifth place, joining Bradford as they vie to oversee back-to-back promotions from now until spring.

How much has Wheatley featured for United since his debut?

(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Carrington graduate has made four appearances for United in his senior career, having first earned his debut in a win over Sheffield United back in April 2024, when Erik ten Hag was at the reins.

Wheatley proceeded to feature twice more in the Premier League that season via a 10-minute cameo against Aston Villa and a two-minute cameo against Arsenal.

Outside of the top flight, he played for five minutes in a 5-2 thumping at home to Leicester City last term.

He is contracted to Old Trafford until 2028, plus the option of a further year.

Read more: Romano – Man Utd and Euro giants ready to ‘find a way’ to finalise £26m deal for 21 G/A star

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Category: General Sports