Manchester United have already sent several young players out on loan this summer, and one has now had a disappointing debut.
For the 2025/26 season, Manchester United have no European football which means that a big squad isn’t necessary due to there being just one game per week.
As a result, there simply aren’t enough opportunities for players to get minutes and therefore the club have been working on sending players out on loan this summer.
United sent 18 players on loan during the 2024/25 season, but this summer could see even more players loaned out, with several already making their moves.
Jonny Evans has been appointed ‘loan manager’ by Jason Wilcox, and therefore the recently retired Northern Irishman is taking the lead in finding destinations for players who are to depart on loan.
For many, the campaign has yet to begin, but one player kicked off his season on Tuesday night in a disappointing performance.
Joe Hugill has disappointing debut for Barnet in penalty shootout defeat
This summer United look set to sign a new striker which would push youngsters further down the pecking order.
Enzo Kana-Biyik was therefore immediately sent to Lausanne, with Chido Obi, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee all ahead of him in the pecking order.
Another forward sent on loan was Joe Hugill, with the youngster joining Barnet.
Hugill was lauded by his new manager as a combination of Michael Owen and Jamie Vardy and he started the first competitive game of the season against Newport County.
The 21-year-old started in the striker position for Barnet in the EFL Cup preliminary round, but failed to make his mark.
Hugill played the entire 90 minutes, having three shots blocked and had a SofaScore rating of 5.1, demonstrating what a poor start it was to life at Barnet.
The former Sunderland academy prospect only had 13 touches and offered very little on the ball when he had it.
However, the worst moment of the game for Hugill came after the final whistle as Barnet’s two injury time goals secured a penalty shootout.
Hugill watched as his spot kick hit the post, and Barnet went on to lose the shootout, which will hardly be endearing himself to the fanbase.
Joe Hugill’s Manchester United career could now be over
Hugill has had several loans over the past couple of years as he was bidding to showcase his talents at a senior level.
However, unfortunately, Hugill has failed to impress during any of his loan moves to date and this makes his United career look like it may be coming to an end.
Hugill’s contract expires in 2026 and therefore, it looks increasingly likely that the club will decide not to renew the striker’s contract, as he will be 22 years old by next summer.
It is an unfortunate end, but in order for his career to kick-start, perhaps he needs a fresh start.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
