Former Sunderland youngster Joe Hugill is being tipped to excel at Old Trafford after returning from injury. The former Black Cats youngster missed the start of the season but has made a strong impression since returning to the Under-21 fold.
The 19-year-old has linked up with National League side Altrincham for the remainder of the season. Hugill will continue to be available for Man United's youth teams whilst on loan.
It's there where he's excelled and caught the eye, with former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær tipping him for big things. Chronicle Live has spoken with Steven Railston, Manchester United reporter at the Manchester Evening News, for an insight into how the former Sunderland youngster has fared.
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How has he fared at Man United this season?
Steven Railston: "Hugill was sidelined with an injury at the start of the season, which meant he didn't start his campaign until October, but he's made a strong impression since returning to the team and he's replaced Charlie McNeill in the Under-21s' starting line up. Man United's U21s struggled for goals in Hugill's absence and it doesn't seem a coincidence they are now picking up wins in the Premier League 2 with the 19-year-old, who has managed to score six goals in six appearances, leading the attack.
"Hugill has scored a brace in his last two matches and he's the natural goalscorer the side desperately needed. He comes alive in the penalty area and his habit of being in the right place, at the right time, is an endearing trait for a centre-forward."
He's trained with the first-team on a number of occasions, do you think he can make the step up?
SR: "That's a difficult question to answer at this stage of his development, considering he's only played six games since his return from injury in October, but he couldn't have made a better impression this term by averaging a goal per game. McNeill was handed his debut against Real Sociedad in September and there is no reason why Hugill can't bridge that gap.
"The club's academy is outstanding, but it's worth noting they don't have a strong record of producing centre-forwards. I would expect him to make his first-team debut but the jury remains out about whether he could feature in the long term."
Ole was vocal about him in the past, has Erik ten Hag said anything of note?
SR: "Erik ten Hag understands the importance of youth talent at the club and he's been excellent with academy players throughout his first six months in charge, but he's not said anything about Hugill in particular, which isn't a surprise, as he was injured.
"If Hugill continues to score at the rate he is for the U21s, he will be able to force himself into a first-team matchday squad."
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