Man Utd recall striker as statement released on INEOS January transfer decision | Football | Sport

Manchester United have recalled Ethan Wheatley from his loan spell at Northampton Town as they close in on the appointment of a new interim manager. The 19-year-old striker made a notable impact at the Cobblers, with three goals and four assists in his 25 appearances during the first half of the season. But there is significant interest in the young forward from other clubs.

Given Northampton’s current position, fifth from bottom in League One, it seems likely that Wheatley could be headed for a team higher up in the league. However, any potential move may be delayed due to an injury Wheatley sustained in a match against Huddersfield in late December. Despite missing the last two league games, he was a regular feature for Northampton, leaving head coach Kevin Nolan both ‘disappointed but proud’ following United’s decision to cut short his loan spell.

Nolan expressed: “We are disappointed Ethan has been recalled but we are proud of the work we have done with him and believe he leaves us a far better player than he arrived.

“I know he enjoyed himself here, I know his family were appreciative of how we looked after him and I know Manchester United were pleased with how the loan went.”

In that announcement confirming his early exit, Wheatley added: “I have loved my time at Northampton Town. I’m very grateful to the manager and the staff who put their trust in me and helped me every single day, both on and off the pitch.”

“I’d also like to thank the supporters for their backing home and away who have been superb this season. It has also been a pleasure sharing the dressing room with a great group of lads and I wish the club and everyone connected with it all the very best for the future.”

The return of Wheatley is likely just the beginning of significant changes at United, with the appointment of a new interim manager expected imminently.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick were both in direct talks with United last week, but it appears Carrick may have edged out his former team-mate, especially given some senior players’ reservations about Solskjaer’s potential return.

Darren Fletcher, who has been managing the team from the dugout since Ruben Amorim‘s dismissal, was questioned about his own immediate future following the loss to Brighton.

His response was: “I have to report tomorrow morning [Monday] to Carrington, that is all I know. I will find out tomorrow morning. I have had zero indications.

“All my focus has been on this. It is a massive responsibility to lead this club and I have given it my best and I am disappointed not to win a game.”

Whoever steps into Fletcher’s shoes will face a challenging start, with the Manchester derby against Man City up next, followed by an away match against current league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

One silver lining for the next manager is that Amad and Bryan Mbeumo will be back in action. Both Ivory Coast and Cameroon were eliminated at the quarter-final stage of AFCON, while Noussair Mazraoui’s Morocco have made it to the semi-finals.