Burton Albion believe they have signed a striker with plenty of ‘potential’ after bringing in Joe Hugill on loan from Premier League giants Manchester United.
It is easy to forget, amid all the criticism that has come Rasmus Hojlund’s way since his £64 million move to Old Trafford, that the big-money summer signing is only a few months older than Joe Hugill, a reserve-team regular now hoping to make the step up to the senior stage during his first ever loan spell in the EFL.
Hugill, who celebrated his 20th birthday in October, spent time in non-league with Altrincham last year. A few months at Burton in England’s third tier, however, offers the Durham-born frontman a real chance to prove he is ready for the rigours of the men’s game, with Brewers boss Martin Paterson delighted to reunite with a player he got to know briefly at Barnsley.
Manchester United send striker to Burton Albion
“We’re really happy to get the loan signing of Joe over the line. A lot of hard work has been put in behind the scenes to make this move happen, fighting off a lot of competition from other clubs to sign him on loan,” Paterson tells the Burton website.
“I briefly worked with him at Barnsley when he came in on work experience. And you could see his potential then.
“We want to thank Manchester United for trusting us with the development of a player they have high hopes for.
“I pride myself on developing strikers, and I think Joe can be a really good addition to us.”
Hugill, who joined Man United from Sunderland back in 2020, only signed a new long-term contract at Old Trafford a couple of days ago. And while he may be some way behind the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo in his development, it is worth remembering that one Harry Kane only made his breakthrough at Tottenham after a number of spells in the EFL.
Joe Hugill is prolific at youth level
“He’s really old school,” former Man United prospect Luke Chadwick told MUTV of Hugill, who scored 11 goals in 12 Premier League 2 games last season.
“His movement is superb. I was really impressed.”
United are also expected to loan Hannibal Mejbri to Sevilla. Alvaro Fernandez is close to joining Benfica in an £8.6 million loan-to-buy deal.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/3V1ot4S