Ethan Wheatley has left Northampton Town after Manchester United opted to recall him from his loan spell at Sixfields.

The 19-year-old has returned to his parent club after the Red Devils opted to exercise their option to recall him to Old Trafford, ending what was originally a season long loan deal 4 months early.

Whatley made 25 appearances in his half-season on loan at Sixfields, scoring 3 times. He is currently injured, having not played since the Cobblers’ match away at Huddersfield in late December.

Cobblers boss Kevin Nolan told the club’s official website that he was disappointed to lose Wheatley, but praised the striker for his work in a Northampton shirt.

Nolan said, “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.

“Because of his injury picked up at Huddersfield in December, we were planning to be without him for a period anyway, but we thank Manchester United for loaning Ethan to us and wish him well for his future career.

“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.”

Wheatley himself thanked Northampton Town for the opportunity.

He said, “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.”