Manchester United’s loan army is off to a good start this season with Radek Vitek’s heroics, and they can count another wonderkid now among the success stories.
This season will be a test of Jonny Evans’ credentials as the Man Utd loan manager, having taken the job for the first time this summer.
Under his watch, Man Utd have sanctioned many loans for academy players who were dominating at the youth level for the club.
Radek Vitek is shining at Bristol City, Ethan Wheatley is standing out at Northampton Town, and now, arguably, the most exciting prospect has emerged from the shadows.
Photo by Pete Norton/Getty ImagesJack Moorhouse steals the show for Leyton Orient
Among all the players to go on loan this season, Jack Moorhouse is right up there in terms of potential ability to break through at Old Trafford.
His skills in the middle of the park are what every elite team builds their game around, as his ball-carrying and press-resistance are already good enough.
He went on loan to Leyton Orient to iron out other areas of his game, like physicality, defensive concentration, and getting some senior football.
Moorhouse didn’t have the best of starts at Orient, but he had a breakout performance in their most recent 3-1 win against Peterborough.
Despite going down to 10 men in the 26th minute, Moorhouse’s team won 3-1, with the United wonderkid, dubbed “Next Paul Pogba“, winning the player of the match honours.
Moorhouse scored a wonderful goal from outside the box after going on a solo run, creating space for himself before rifling in a precise shot into the corner.
His performance drew praise from the club as well, who posted on X, “Some performance from Jack Moorhouse tonight.”
Man Utd academy rules the day
The exploits of Moorhouse on the day were just the tip of the iceberg on a day that Man Utd’s academy ruled the roost.
Besides Moorhouse, his teammate, Charlie Wellens, a former United academy graduate, scored a brilliant free-kick to set Orient on their way.
The United flavour was strong elsewhere in the football league, too, as Ethan Ennis scored on his debut for Fleetwood Town.
Ennis started right away after his deadline day move and didn’t disappoint, scoring in the 75th minute to draw his team level.
Fleetwood Town went on to win the game 5-4 on penalties after drawing 2-2 in regular time, and they had Ennis’ late winner to thank for it.
Dan Gore started in an unfamiliar right-wing position in Rotherham’s 1-0 loss to Bolton Wanderers, but fared as well as he could have in those circumstances.
League One and League Two action continues through the international break, so Man Utd fans will have plenty to look forward to. Championship loanees will resume action from September 13.