Wigan manager and sporting director praise ‘natural goalscorer’ Joe Hugill as loan deal confirmed

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Joe Hugill has sealed a loan move from Manchester United to Wigan Athletic for the 2024/25 season.

Young Manchester United forward Joe Hugill has sealed a loan move to Wigan Athletic. He is the first player to leave the club on loan.

Hugill has been given Wigan’s number nine shirt, a real vote of confidence from his new side, a sign he will have a prominent role.

The move came just days after Hugill scored for Manchester United in the 2-0 friendly win over Rangers.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Joe Hugill praised by key Wigan figures

Wigan Athletic manager Shaun Maloney is delighted to get the deal done, speakingly highly of the 20-year-old Manchester United prospect.

He told the Latics website: “I am delighted that we’ve managed to sign Joe. He’ll be a great addition to the group, and I am looking forward to working with him. 

“He is a hard-working number nine and has been a natural goal-scorer throughout his time at Manchester United. 

“He has a lot of strong attributes and I am really happy to have him here.”

These sentiments were echoed by sporting director Gregor Rioch, who said: “We’re really pleased to have brought Joe to our club. I’d like to thank Manchester United for facilitating the move, and we’re looking forward to seeing how Joe performs during his time with us. 

“Joe is a talented young player, who will bring a lot of energy and speed to our frontline.“

Hugill back in League One

This is Joe Hugill’s second loan spell in League One, after he spent the second half of the season with Burton Albion last season.

Hugill made an instant impact by scoring on his debut, but subsequently found goals hard to come by for a side which finished in 20th place.

New side Wigan are expected to be more competitive. They finished 12th, just four wins and 12 points back from the play-off spots.

Hugill will need to deliver, there will be expectations on him at Wigan, especially with the reputation as a Manchester United player. But delivering and meeting these demands is something he will have to get used to, if he is going to become a long-term success at Old Trafford.