Isak Hansen-Aaroen reacts as Manchester United sign prolific young striker to new contract

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Manchester United do not like to lose their best young players, and want to get them tied down to extended deals.

Part of this is just common sense. The other aspect is financial, United can increase a young player’s resale value by extending his contract, at least assuring that if he is sold, they can try to maximise the fee. And then there’s the other element, this is a club still scarred by losing Paul Pogba on a free transfer the first time – not so much the second.

The most recent young player to pen a new deal is striker Joe Hugill, who has 55 goals for the club’s academy teams since his signature from Sunderland in 2020.

United have now announced he has signed a new contract, with the player posing for pictures alongside head of academy Nick Cox.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2024, ins, outs, loan moves

Manchester United youngsters react

Joe Hugill has played with many Manchester United players in the academy for the under-18s and under-21s over the past few years and they are delighted to see him rewarded with a contract extension.

The contract runs to 2026 with an option for United to extend to 2027.

Hugill was congratulated by his colleagues on Instagram, which included midfielder Isak Hansen-Aaroen.

Hansen-Aaroen’s current deal expires this summer, and he is reported to be dissatisfield with a lack of first team opportunities. United fans are hoping the Norwegian can also be persuaded to sign a new deal, like Hugill.

What is next for Joe Hugill

After Omari Forson became the 249th academy debutant this week, Joe Hugill is hoping he might be the 250th. He has been on the first team bench before, and even scored in pre-season, but is yet to make his competitive debut and join the list of young players handed their first professional minutes under Erik ten Hag.

He may have to wait until next season, and miss out on becoming the milestone debutant, because a loan deal is claimed to be being lined up.

Alan Nixon, writing on his Patreon, claims Hugill will be heading to League One side Burton Albion on loan until the end of the season.

Burton could do with his goals. They sit 17th in League One, with only 21 goals scored in 26 matches this season. It is a situation which won’t be easy, but where he could have a chance to make his mark.