Joe Hugill is set to go on loan for a second time this season.
The 21-year-old Manchester United striker spent the first half of the season on loan at League One side Wigan Athletic, but he was recalled from that spell after scoring five foals in 18 matches.
Wigan manager Shaun Maloney revealed Hugill’s return to United wasn’t due to his performance.
However, Joe Hugill was playing second fiddle to Dale Taylor at the Brick Community Stadium.
It made sense for United to recall Hugill because they wanted to ensure he’d get a better chance of playing regular senior football elsewhere, even if that meant sending the young striker to a lower division.
Hugill started in the first six league games of Wigan’s season, although his minutes were gradually reduced, which became problematic for United.
Carlisle United close in on Joe Hugill loan deal
Hugill will want more game time when he leaves Old Trafford on loan again.
This time negotiations are underway to take Hugill down to League Two for the remainder of the season.
According to Daily Mail reporter Mike Keegan, Hugill is set to join Carlisle United on loan after United decided to cut his loan at Wigan short.
This gives Hugill a chance to continue his development under former Newcastle defender Mike Williamson.
Joining a side fighting to maintain their football league status will give Hugill plenty of experience going forward.
Joe Hugill won’t be alone in League Two
The first United academy graduate to leave during the January transfer window was Ethan Ennis, who signed for Doncaster Rovers on loan until the end of the season.
This means Hugill won’t be the only starlet from United joining a side in League Two this month.
It didn’t go to plan for Hugill at Wigan in League One, so United are taking one step back to see if they can push the player’s development further.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 18 | 5 | 1 |
Hugill could raise his market value with a strong spell or, even better, compete for a place in the United first-team next season.
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