Manchester United Striker Set For League One Move

Manchester United striker Joe Hugill is set to join League One outfit Wigan Athletic on loan, according to Manchester Evening News.

The 20-year-old is highly rated at Old Trafford, although he is yet to make a senior appearance for Erik ten Hag’s side. However, he has featured is the Red Devils’ first two pre-season friendlies, scoring in a 2-0 win over Rangers on Saturday.

Hugill has been a prominent part of United’s youth sides since joining the club in 2020. He has an impressive goal-to-game ratio, having netted 50 times in 84 appearances for the under 18, 19 and 21 teams.

Keen to nurture his development, he gained his first taste of senior football with non-league Altrincham in 2023. This experience saw him join Burton Albion on loan for the second half of last season.

He announced himself to the Brewers faithful in spectacular fashion. Coming on for his debut against rivals Derby County, the youngster burst free of the Rams defence to slot home just three minutes after his introduction. This proved to be his only goal for Burton, although he did also add two assists to his name before returning to Old Trafford at the end of the season.

It now appears as if the 20-time English champions are hoping to give him a full campaign in League One, this time with neighbours Wigan Athletic. He was due to be included in the upcoming tour of the United States, although it is claimed that he has pulled out ahead of the proposed move.

The Latics exceeded expectations last season in what was their first back in the third tier. Having suffered relegation from the Championship, they were met with two separate four point deductions. Despite that, Shaun Maloney guided them to a comfortable 12th-placed finish. As a result, they are an outside tip to sneak into the top six this season.

The manager has already brought in the likes of Will Aimson, Calvin Ramsay and Tyrese Francois. An attacker is high on the agenda though after last season’s top scorer Stephen Humphrys departed the Brick Community Stadium following the expiration of his contract.

Writer’s View

Hugill enjoyed a steady spell at Burton last season and it seems logical for him to have another shot at League One. Prior to his move to the Pirelli Stadium, his only real taste of senior football had come in non-league. However, Manchester United have an agreement with Altrincham that players that join them on loan will still be able to represent their own youth teams.

Wigan could be the perfect club for the attacker. He has an opportunity to feature regularly for a team that could be competing at the top end of the table. With the Red Devils having high hopes for him in the future, this could be a move that suits all parties to a tee.

RELATED ARTICLES

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Leave a Reply