Former Manchester United prospect Joe Hugill is off the mark in Scotland.
Joe Hugill is now putting an unhappy few months behind him after his Manchester United career tailed off disappointingly.
Manchester United fans had high hopes for Joe Hugill after the youngster scored for fun at under-18s level between 2020 and 2022, during which he struck more than 30 goals.
After moving up to the under-21s, Hugill was sent on various loan spells, which failed to distinguish himself as a player capable of stepping up to the first team.
Hugill finally left United in the 2026 mid-season transfer window, signing with Kilmarnock.
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Joe Hugill scores for Kilmarnock
Joe Hugill is now off the mark for Kilmarnock after scoring in a Scottish Premiership thriller against Celtic.
Hugill was making his first start in a Kilmarnock shirt after three previous substitute appearances, and took just 28 minutes to find the scoresheet.
The goal came when Hugill darted across the six-yard box to meet a cross at the near post, cleverly directing a looping header in the opposite direction over the goalkeeper.
Hugill’s header put Kilmarnock 2-0 up, but unfortunately his side collapsed to a 3-2 defeat courtesy of three second half goals and a 97th minute winner.
The defeat detracted from a strong individual performance from the former Manchester United prospect.
Hugill provided the assist for Killie’s opener, one of two chances he created in total.
He maximised his impact from his 20 touches in 79 minutes, giving Kilmarnock fans reason to be positive about their new signing.
Hugill, 22, now has goals against Celtic and Rangers on his CV, scoring against the latter in pre-season for Manchester United in 2024.
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What happened in Joe Hugill’s loan spells
The goal was Joe Hugill’s first goal in 10 months, since a goal on loan for Carlisle United in April 2024.
Hugill scored only two goals in 17 appearances on loan for Carlisle, as the League Two side fought an uphill battle for survival.
This past season Hugill was signed on loan by Barnet, but struggled to make an impact. He was recalled after failing to score in six appearances.
Hugill previously scored five goals in 18 games for Wigan, one in 18 for Burton Albion, and one in seven for Altrincham.
This goal for Kilmarnock was his 10th professional goal. It has taken him a lot longer than he would have wanted to reach that figure, but Hugill must now use this to kick on.
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