Joe Hugill leaves Manchester United after spending almost six years at the club.
The transition from youth football to senior level is a gigantic step, especially for a player trying to break through at Manchester United.
There is a great degree of pride shared amongst United fans when it comes to the academy. It has long produced some of the best players to have played in English football.
From Duncan Edwards in the 50s to George Best in the 60s to Sir Alex Ferguson’s fledglings and FA Cup-winner Kobbie Mainoo, it has been proven over generations that United have one of the best academies in the world.
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Of course, there are many players who don’t make it at United, but that doesn’t stop them from forming careers elsewhere. Many have proven to be a success up and down the English football pyramid as well as across the continent.
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Joe Hugill completes transfer from Man Utd to Kilmarnock FC
Two weeks ago, Joe Hugill returned to United from Barnet after being one of 18 players loaned out by the club earlier this season.
Hugill made just six appearances for the League Two outfit, so United felt it would have been counterproductive to leave him at Barnet for the remainder of the season.
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Little did we know that Hugill had a permanent switch lined up, which means he has now left Old Trafford after impressing in the youth teams.
Scottish Premiership outfit Kilmarnock have announced the signing of Hugill, who has signed a contract that keeps him across the border until May 2027 at least.
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The deal is pending international clearance, but that should be straightforward for the 22-year-old.
Hugill has been at United since he transferred from Sunderland’s academy in 2020.
There has been no mention of how much Kilmarnock have agreed to pay for the young striker, but they will hope he can provide a positive enough impact to lift them up the Scottish league table.
Other former Man Utd players and loanees in Scotland right now
Several former United players and loanees are enjoying their football in Scotland.
That includes Ethan Williams, who joined Falkirk on loan at the beginning of the season.
Kelle Roos from Kilmarnock had a spell in United’s academy, as did Dylan Levitt.
This shows that Hugill isn’t the only player with strong United connections in Scotland.
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