Ethan Williams, Manchester United’s academy sensation, reached another milestone this week.
Ethan Williams has stepped up for Manchester United’s academy teams this season, following a breakout year with the under-18s the previous year.
This year, Williams has played at both the under-18 and under-21 levels, as well as in the UEFA Youth League.
This week, he achieved a significant personal milestone during Manchester United’s 2-1 under-21 victory over rivals City, in which veteran player-coach Tom Huddlestone scored the winner.
Ethan Williams gets another assist
Ethan Williams assisted Manchester United’s first goal of the game, setting his teammate Ethan Wheatley to score.
Both players were making the transition from under-18 to under-21 level, and they worked together brilliantly to score the first half goal.
Williams’ defence-splitting pass allowed Wheatley to score his second league goal for the 21s this season.
Ethan Williams now has 20 goal contributions across all levels this season, with 12 goals and eight assists.
The youthful forward practiced with Manchester United’s first team last week and is undoubtedly a talent with a promising future.
He also contributed significantly to the winning goal. Williams provided the corner, which a City defender attempted to clear before kicking it to Huddlestone, who blasted low into the goal.
Williams finds a way to affect games no matter what level he plays at. Manchester United’s first team could always benefit with another difference maker in attack.
Ethan Wheatley is doing well, too
Ethan Wheatley is a young striker who is having his finest season yet in Manchester United’s academy squads.
He has primarily played for the under-18s, but is now getting opportunities at the under-21 level as well.
Wheatley has 14 goal contributions, equal Williams’ 12 goals, but only two assists.
This makes sense, given Wheatley is a traditional centre-forward, but Williams plays wide like Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho.
With 24 goals combined, the two Ethans, Williams, and Wheatley have been reliable performers all season, giving the club’s high-performing academy enough to be proud of.