“Amorim Must Unleash 17-Year-Old Man Utd Star Who’s a ‘Homegrown Osimhen'”
Amorim Must Unleash 17-Year-Old Man Utd Star Who’s a ‘Homegrown Osimhen’
With Rúben Amorim poised to usher in a new era at Manchester United, the time is ripe for bold decisions—and one of the most exciting ones he could make is to unleash 17-year-old sensation Ethan Wheatley, a powerful striker already drawing comparisons to Victor Osimhen. Dubbed the “homegrown Osimhen” by those within the academy setup, Wheatley represents everything the INEOS-led project is aiming to prioritize: youth, athleticism, and long-term potential.
While the temptation for a new manager is often to rely on experienced players to establish early stability, Amorim’s track record at Sporting CP proves he is not afraid to throw youngsters into the deep end. At Sporting, he trusted emerging stars like Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes, and Ugarte—each of whom blossomed under his guidance. At United, he must now do the same with Wheatley, a player who embodies the next-generation striker United have craved.
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The Rise of Ethan Wheatley
Born in Stockport in 2007, Ethan Wheatley has been with Manchester United since the age of nine, progressing steadily through the ranks at Carrington. A traditional centre-forward in a modern mold, Wheatley combines physical dominance with intelligent movement and a ruthless eye for goal.
In the 2024/25 campaign, he exploded onto the scene for United’s U18 and U21 sides, scoring 23 goals in all competitions, including a hat-trick against Liverpool’s youth team that caught the eye of first-team staff. By the final stretch of the season, he had already made the bench in Premier League matches and was rewarded with his senior debut in April.
The 6’2″ forward possesses several traits that make the Osimhen comparison less fanciful than it might seem:
Blistering acceleration despite his frame
Aerial strength and superb timing in the box
Fearless attitude in duels
Work rate and pressing from the front
Internally, coaches have praised his mentality and coachability—hallmarks that suggest he’s ready for the leap to senior football.
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Why Wheatley Fits Amorim’s Philosophy
At Sporting, Amorim built teams around vertical transitions, aggressive pressing, and quick ball progression—systems that favour physically dominant, mobile forwards. His tactical setups—often a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1—require the No. 9 to do far more than score goals. They must lead the line, create space, and unsettle defenders with dynamic movement.
That description fits Wheatley perfectly.
United’s current crop of strikers includes Rasmus Højlund, who despite flashes of brilliance, still requires rotational support. Anthony Martial is set to leave, and with the club not certain to splash over £100m for a striker like Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney, developing from within may be both practical and inspired.
Wheatley’s ability to press defenders, play on the shoulder, and operate as both a target man and channel runner makes him an ideal fit for Amorim’s demanding system. In fact, giving him minutes from the outset could fast-track his development into a true Premier League force.
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The Timing Couldn’t Be Better
The summer of 2025 presents a unique opportunity. Manchester United are set to offload multiple fringe players, with the likes of Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek, and Facundo Pellistri expected to depart. This mass exodus frees up space not only in the squad but in the wage bill and game-time allocation.
Additionally, INEOS are focused on developing a leaner, more focused squad, aiming to cut down on overpaid backups and instead promote hungry, academy-trained players with high ceilings.
That ethos aligns perfectly with giving Wheatley a real chance to break through.
Moreover, fans are desperate to see homegrown talent succeed at the club. After witnessing the rise of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, supporters are more open than ever to seeing teenagers trusted in big matches. Wheatley, with his explosive style and goal-hungry nature, could become the next youth icon at Old Trafford.
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Learning from Osimhen—Without the £100m Price Tag
Victor Osimhen’s journey from Lille to Napoli and now potentially to the Premier League is a lesson in how physical forwards can thrive with the right guidance. What Osimhen became through years of development in France and Italy, Wheatley has the raw ingredients to emulate—without the heavy financial burden.
Osimhen’s game is built on:
Relentless running
Constant defensive disruption
Intelligent finishing
Mental toughness
Wheatley mirrors these traits. He doesn’t just score tap-ins—he creates his own chances, bullies centre-backs, and competes like a veteran. With the right coaching, there’s every reason to believe he could develop into a striker of elite caliber.
And crucially, he’s already embedded in the United system—no adaptation period, no inflated fees, and no ego.
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The Risks and Rewards of Unleashing Wheatley
Of course, promoting a 17-year-old to regular first-team action carries risk. Premier League defenders are ruthless, and throwing Wheatley in too fast could stunt his confidence. However, Amorim’s strategic approach to youth means Wheatley would likely be integrated gradually—via cup matches, substitute appearances, and perhaps a few starts against lower-table sides.
The rewards, on the other hand, are immense. If Wheatley flourishes, United will have unearthed a long-term solution to a key problem—and done so from within their own ranks. In an era where clubs routinely spend £80m+ on strikers with no Premier League guarantee, unlocking Wheatley would be a masterstroke.
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What Amorim Must Do Now
Rúben Amorim’s arrival is the perfect moment for United to reinforce their identity as a club that nurtures world-class talent from within. To do that, he must:
1. Include Wheatley in first-team pre-season
2. Design a specific development plan with input from academy and senior staff
3. Give him meaningful minutes early in the season—especially in EFL Cup or UEFA competitions
4. Protect his confidence through rotation and man-management
If he’s bold—and Amorim usually is—Wheatley could become the breakout story of the season.
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Conclusion
Manchester United don’t need to spend £100 million to find their own Victor Osimhen. They may already have him in the form of Ethan Wheatley—a homegrown powerhouse ready to be unleashed.
With a new managerial philosophy, a trimmed squad, and an appetite for youth-led resurgence, now is the time for Amorim to give Wheatley the opportunity he’s earned. The “homegrown Osimhen” is ready. United must be brave enough to let him shine.
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