Wheatley, 18, made his debut as a substitute for Rasmus Hojlund in Manchester United’s 4-2 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford. Despite his memorable night, Wheatley returned to school in Ashton-on-Mersey, where he is studying for a BTEC marketing extended diploma. United academy director Nick Cox indicated that Wheatley possibly went to school the next day to bask in the glory of his debut.

Just 24 hours after his debut, Wheatley played his first game in front of 73,549 fans at Old Trafford, reflecting on the historic event as an honor. Additionally, United have a remarkable record of 4,254 consecutive first-team games with an academy graduate in the match-day squad, a tradition that dates back to the 1930s. Wheatley is the sixth academy player to make his debut under current United boss Erik ten Hag.