What Man United have planned for Joe Hugill as five-goal striker recalled from loan spell

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Manchester United have decided to cut Joe Hugill’s stay at Wigan Athletic short.

The 21-year-old striker was sent on a season-long loan deal to the League One club back in the summer. Joe Hugill was the first United player sent on loan in 2024/25.

He made a strong first impression out on loan with Wigan boss Shaun Maloney revealing Hugill was the fastest player in their squad behind Jamie Carragher’s son James.

However, Joe Hugill’s lightning-quick pace didn’t directly translate into goals – at least not straight away with Hugill enduring a scoreless streak in League One.

Hugill did score a brace for Wigan against Bristol Rovers in September, but at the halfway stage of the season he has five goals in 18 appearances and hasn’t started a league match since October.

Man United recall Joe Hugill from Wigan loan

Just one day after United recalled Elyh Harrison from his Chester loan, the Red Devils have made the same decision with Hugill.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Hugill has been recalled from his Wigan loan just six months into the season.

United are in the market for a new striker with Rasmus Hojlund still raw and Joshua Zirkzee struggling to settle.

However, Hugill is not the answer to United’s striker shortage. Instead, the Red Devils have already planned ahead for the 21-year-old forward.

Joe Hugill set to go out on another loan in 2025

With the January window now in full swing, United are looking at several loan opportunities for several youngsters.

There are as many as seven United players who need a loan deal this month, and Hugill’s name has now been added to that list.

As reported by Romano above, United are already planning another loan deal for Hugill for the second half of the season.

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After dropping out of the starting XI at Wigan, United will ideally want to find a club that can offer Hugill consistent playing time over the next six months.

Hugill has been compared to Harry Kane due to his incredible record in the academy, but if he is ever going to fulfil that potential he will need regular minutes at a good leve.