Manchester United academy star Joe Hugill has joined Burton Albion on loan for the rest of the season having recently put pen to paper over a new deal at Old Trafford.
Hugill, 20, signed a new contract with United on Wednesday that will keep him at the club until 2026 but that has not stopped him moving on loan in search of first team experience.
The striker has joined the Brewers in time for their League One trip to Derby County on Monday when he could make his debut in front of TV cameras.
“It’s a great opportunity for me,” Hugill said about his loan move to Burton Albion, as per Burton’s official website. “It’s a great opportunity for me. As my first football league loan I’m really excited for it and looking forward to getting going.
“I can’t wait to experience men’s first-team action and getting as much experience and games under my belt and hopefully score some goals. I’m really looking forward to meeting the lads and getting going.
“Burton is a family club and I’m very family oriented myself which played a huge part in me coming here. I know a couple of the boys who are already here and they’ve been really positive about the place. I spoke to Mark Helm as soon as there was interest and straight away he said what a good club it is and I’m buzzing to get going.”
It was reported earlier today that the loan deal was agreed last week but the move was delayed because United needed the forward for training.
Furthermore, Hugill was on the bench for the FA Cup win at Wigan Athletic on Monday night but has yet to make his first team debut in a competitive game under Erik ten Hag.
Newly appointed Albion boss Martin Paterson reckons he can help bring the best out of Hugill.
“We’re really happy to get the loan signing of Joe over the line,” he said.
“A lot of hard work has been put in behind the scenes by Gary and the team to make this move happen, fighting off a lot of competition from other clubs to sign him on loan.
“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.”
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