Man Utd have made a further two loan recalls in the January transfer window - here is why they've been made.
Habeeb Ogunneye and Amad.(Image: 2024 Manchester United FC)
View Image
Manchester United youngsters Habeeb Ogunneye and Joe Hugill have been recalled from their respective loans with a view to sending them to new clubs for the second half of the season. Ogunneye, 20, was on loan at Newport County, but his minutes were reduced following the sacking of Dave Hughes, who previously worked with the defender in United's academy.
Hughes was key in signing Ogunneye on loan, but his successor at Newport omitted the youngster from matchday squads. Ogunneye had been a regular starter at Newport until Hughes' dismissal, making 21 appearances for the Welsh club, and is set to be sent on another loan for the rest of the season.
Ogunneye took part in first-team training at Carrington on Wednesday. Michael Carrick oversaw his first session as the newly appointed head coach, and Ogunneye was given the chance to feature.
Hugill's loan stint at Barnet did not go to plan due to an injury. The striker started in Barnet's opening two games of the season against Fleetwood Town and Bromley, but he spent three months on the sidelines with an injury and was handed limited minutes upon his return.
United are set to send Hugill, 22, on loan for the second half of the campaign, but his contract at Old Trafford expires in the summer. United have the option of triggering a 12-month extension, but Hugill is preparing to arrive at a crossroads in his career and his future is unclear.
Almost every academy player who leaves United on loan has a recall break clause that can be activated after six months, which gives the club a chance to assess whether it's best for the youngster to stay on loan.
Stephen Torpey, head of the academy, is currently looking after loans at Carrington following a decision from Jonny Evans to step down from the position of head of loans and pathways.
Evans did not believe he was a great fit for the role and stepped away. The former defender is now back at Carrington, working as part of Carrick's backroom staff for the remainder of the campaign.