Man Utd old boy names academy star who could soon make breakthrough

Manchester United academy striker Joe Hugill has been tipped for big things by former Red Devils star Arthur Albiston.

Hugill joined United from Sunderland in the summer transfer window, and has already made an impression at under-18 level. He has four goals from just two appearances in the U18 Premier League this season.

His form has seen him fast-tracked into the under-23s for some games this season. At that age group, he has three goals from six games.

And it is only a matter of time before Hugill progresses further up the ranks and starts becoming a candidate for first team opportunities, according to Albiston.

The former left-back made nearly 500 appearances for United in the 1970s and 1980s. Now, he works as a commentator for MUTV for academy games.

That role has given him the opportunity to witness the potential of Hugill – and Albiston thinks the 17-year-old could soon attract attention from first team boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Asked who stands out for him in the academy by MUTV (as quoted by Inside Futbol), Albiston replied: “A lad there we signed from Sunderland, Hugill.

“He has got off to a fantastic start in his career, scoring goals right away.

“He played in a couple of Under-18 games and then went into the Under-23s and scored goals there as well.

“Wouldn’t surprise me if he keeps doing that, he might be knocking on the door of the first-team squad.”

United have a proud tradition of producing players from their academy who go on to become first team regulars. Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Mason Greenwood are three examples in the current squad.

Hugill may have to be patient for his chance, given he is yet to reach adulthood. But he clearly has one big supporter in Albiston.

 

Academy graduate to leave on loan?

While several academy graduates are impressing for United, one who has struggled for opportunities this season is Brandon Williams.

The left-back burst onto the scene last season, but has fallen down the pecking order since the signing of Alex Telles from Porto.

Williams was linked with an exit in the summer transfer window to continue his development. Now, there has been a fresh twist about his future ahead of January.

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