Joe Hugill scored again as Manchester United beat Blackburn Rovers 6-4 in the under-23s at the weekend.
Hugill nodded in a cross at the back post after a sumptuous cross from right-back Harvey Neville.
It was Neville’s second assist in three games and it is evident he has the crossing ability of his uncle Gary Neville.
Hugill was the happy beneficiary and he increased his goal tally for the season to 15 in all competitions.
The teenager has nine of these for the under-23s, following up a four-goal haul against Liverpool the week before.
Hugill has now overtaken Anthony Elanga as United’s top under-23 scorer. Both had been level with eight goals.
Swedish winger Elanga is currently out with a collarbone injury sustained against Leicester a fortnight ago.
Hugill is enjoying being part of the under-23 side. At just 17-years-old he has stepped up and looks like he belongs.
Speaking after the game, Hugill told MUTV: “I’m just loving playing football at the moment and getting chances put on a plate for you.
“I’m getting in a box, and that was a different type of goal with a header.”
The youngster is full of confidence and as he points out, having talented players around him makes his task a lot easier.
Hugill was surrounded by a front three potentially worth millions, with Amad Diallo, Shola Shoretire and Hannibal Mejbri all interchanging positions around him as he led the line.
United came into the season without a lead striker at under-23 level after D’Mani Mellor suffered an ACL injury in August.
The club’s hope was that a player could step up from the under-18s and Hugill has quickly done so.
He is the joint leading scorer at under-23 level as a whole, with Manchester City’s Liam Delap and Aston Villa’s Louie Barry also on nine goals. Hugill is the youngest player of the three.
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