Erik ten Hag vows to continue building on the legacy of the Busby Babes and Man United’s class of 1992, after Ethan Wheatley became the 250th academy graduate to play for the first team in the victory against Sheffield United.

Erik ten Hag hailed Manchester United’s proud record of producing young talent after Ethan Wheatley became the 250th academy graduate to play for the first team in Wednesday night’s win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford.

Wheatley reached the milestone by replacing Rasmus Hojlund in the 89th minute in United’s 4-2 win, 24 hours after helping the club’s Under-18s reach the FA Youth Cup final when he scored the two goals in a 2-1 victory. against Manchester City.

Wheatley, 18, was one of five academy teenagers on the bench, which also included Omari Forson, Harry Amass, Louis Jackson and Habeeb Ogunneye. He is the sixth academy player to make his senior debut under Ten Hag.

United’s tradition of harnessing academy talent dates back nine decades and spans 4,254 matches in which a graduate has been part of the match-day squad. This season, homegrown players have contributed around 26 percent of all first team minutes and scored or assisted around 60 percent of the goals.

Ten Hag, who brought Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo into the first team during his two years in charge, said: “Everyone at Manchester United should be very proud of our ability to produce so much of players with the quality and character to represent this incredible club, we all at Carrington feel a responsibility to build on the legacy of the Busby Babes, the class of 1992 and the many others who contributed to the fantastic. history of the club.

Wheatley became the 250th academy graduate to play for Man United’s senior team.

Ten Hag wants to continue building on the legacy of the Busby Babes and the class of 1992 (photo)

“Strengthening the pathway between the academy and the first team has been one of my priorities as manager, and Ethan is the latest example of this process working well. The opportunity will always be open to those who have the talent and winning attitude to don the red jersey.

Wheatley’s debut represents the latest success story for United’s academy director Nick Cox. “All of us at the academy are incredibly proud of this club’s illustrious history of youth development, and we congratulate Ethan on what is a fantastic personal achievement as well as a milestone for the club.” , Cox said.

“Youth development is an important part of the soul of Manchester United, running through every great moment in the club’s history, and it is the responsibility of each new generation of players and staff. academy to maintain it.

“We owe our thanks to the many talented coaches and visionary club leaders who have contributed to this milestone, including James W Gibson, Walter Crickmer, Jimmy Murphy, Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson. And there are countless others behind the scenes, from scouts to equipment staff, from floor staff to chefs, from drivers to teachers who play a vital role in helping our young players maximize their potential.