Manchester United's decision to recall Joe Hugill from a loan spell will certainly please Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who previously described the youngster as a “top striker”.
The 21-year-old played for League One side Wigan Athletic from the start of the 2024-25 season and went on to score five goals in 18 appearances in all competitions for the Latics.
Despite being loaned out, he has been highly rated at United since signing for the Sunderland club for £300,000 in 2020.
The Durham native had a fairly rapid rise through the academy ranks. He initially played for the U18s before moving up to the U23s in the same season.
He quickly caught the attention of Solskjaer – United boss at the time – thanks to a four-goal haul against Liverpool, a match which also marked Amad Diallo's club debut.
While the Ivorian made headlines with a scintillating performance, it was Hugill who earned a name check from the Baby-Faced Assassin. The United legend said: “If we leave that game [vs Liverpool]I would choose Joe Hugill.
“Four goals from Hugill. He is also a top striker, we are looking forward to seeing his development.” Despite impressing the Norwegian, the striker has never made the step up to the first team and has yet to make an appearance for the senior side.
Ruben Amorim's men have been struggling for goals but it will be an uphill task for Hugill to get his chance despite United activating the clause to recall him early from his loan. United have scored just 23 goals in the Premier League this season, with £72million striker Rasmus Hojlund scoring just four goals, while fellow striker Joshua Zirkzee contributed with just three goals.
Hugill's return to Old Trafford comes after the striker's struggle to find action having managed just 49 minutes of game time in his last five league games. He did manage to score in the 17 minutes he was on the pitch against League One high-flyers Wrexham, which ended in a 2-1 defeat for Wigan.
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