Will Fish finally makes first start of loan spell at Hibernian after four month wait

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Manchester United have decisions to make over all the club’s loan players this month, whether to recall them or leave them at their current sides.

One candidate for a possible recall was 19-year-old defender Will Fish, who did not start a single game for Hibernian in 2022, since moving to the Scottish Premiership at the end of August.

Fish had made only three substitute appearances for Hibs over the first part of the season.

Now in 2023, Fish finally got what he was waiting for, a first start for his loan side.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023

Will Fish finally makes first start of loan spell

Fish was selected for a huge game, the Edinburgh derby against Hibernian’s rivals Hearts.

The decision to start the 19-year-old was addressed by manager Lee Johnson, who picked him in place of suspended defender Ryan Porteous, at right-back.

Johnson was quoted by BBC Radio Scotland: “Will Fish has been fantastic. He’s been knocking on the door for far too long to keep ignoring him in terms of his performances both in training and games. He’s been excellent.

“He’s a big lad, a threat from set-plays, he’s quick, he’s got good pedigree coming from Man United and I think with the tight pitch at Tynecastle, you need that physicality and we’re missing it with Porteous out, but Will brings that.”

The match did not go to plan, unfortunately, with Hibernian losing 3-0. They were 2-0 down at half-time and Fish was substituted at half-time.

It was a tough ask for Fish to step in, out of position, in a derby game to play his first ever Scottish Premiership game.

He will be better for it; just getting onto the pitch was a positive step. The problem is, he may have to wait a little while for another one.

Manchester United still could choose to recall the young defender and place him elsewhere.

The teenager still has a very tall order to make it at Old Trafford, but he is picking up valuable experience, and his tough assignment yesterday was better than sitting on the bench.