Manchester United striker set for loan exit

Manchester United striker Joe Hugill is set to join Wigan Athletic on loan.

Hugill, 20, was due to be included in the United pre-season tour squad but he has withdrawn ahead of an imminent move to League One Wigan.

The former Sunderland youth-teamer scored clinically in United’s 2-0 win against Rangers in Edinburgh on Saturday, having also played 45 minutes in the 1-0 defeat to Rosenborg in Trondheim.

Hugill signed for third-tier Burton Albion on loan in January and scored on his debut against Derby County but that was his only goal in 18 appearances.

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Hugill agreed a new contract with United until 2026, including the option of an additional year, as part of his loan to Burton. He was named on the bench four times by manager Erik ten Hag last season but is yet to make his competitive debut for his parent club.

New United coach Ruud van Nistelrooy was captured congratulating and advising fellow striker Hugill after the match at Murrayfield.
United signed Hugill from Sunderland when he was 16 in 2020 and he was a member of the FA Youth Cup-winning squad in 2022.

The arrival of Joshua Zirkzee up front to compete with Rasmus Hojlund, as well as Ethan Wheatley’s development, made another loan inevitable for Hugill.