The landmark builds on nine decades of unbroken dedication to the development of home-grown talent, stretching back over 4,254 consecutive first-team games with an Academy graduate in the matchday squad.
Wheatley was the sixth Academy graduate to make his debut under the guidance of Erik ten Hag. This season, homegrown players have contributed to around 26 per cent of all first-team minutes and either scored or assisted around 60 per cent of goals.
Today’s graduates – including Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans, Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Willy Kambwala and Omari Forson – are adding to a rich heritage which has been at the heart of the club’s identity since Tom Manley became the first Academy player to play for Manchester United in 1931.