Joe Hugill will embark on a new challenge in the Scottish Premiership after signing for Kilmarnock FC from Manchester United.
It was announced on Friday night that Joe Hugill had signed for Kilmarnock after spending six years at Manchester United.
Hugill, 22, was sent on loan to Barnet at the beginning of the season. The striker made just six appearances for the League Two outfit before being recalled by United two weeks ago.
The move means Hugill will follow the path of players like Will Fish and Dylan Levitt, who left United as academy players before moving on to their professional careers in Scotland in recent years.
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There is plenty of competition among strikers in United’s academy, but Hugill wasn’t part of United’s first team picture unless it was for pre-season tours. It was probably the right time for him to move on to develop as a senior player elsewhere.
Everyone at United will certainly wish Hugill the best of luck in Scotland, especially with Kilmarnock struggling for form this season.
Joe Hugill playing against Fleetwood Town
Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Joe Hugill breaks silence after Man Utd departure
Hugill’s permanent transfer to Kilmarnock is subject to international clearance and registration.
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After joining United from Sunderland in 2020, Hugill was part of United’s last youth team to win the FA Youth Cup in 2022.
Another highlight of Hugill’s time in United’s academy came during his first season, scoring four goals in a single game against Liverpool, replicating a record set by Steve Jones in 1977.
Hugill trained a lot with the first team following an invitation in 2021.
The Durham-born striker has now taken to Instagram with a written message to the club, staff and fans.
“Thank you to everyone @manutd for the past 6 years,” Hugill wrote in a social media post, which is accompanied by 18 photos of his time at United.
“The players, the staff, the fans and everyone connected to the club who have made me love every minute along the way.
“I will always be beyond grateful for my time here and the memories will live with me forever.”
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Shea Lacey and Tyler Fredricson respond to Joe Hugill
Many of the players Hugill came through the ranks with at United responded to Hugill’s departure message on Instagram.
Shea Lacey wrote: “All the best Joe.”
Charlie McNeill, Jack Flecher, Shola Shoretire and Tyler Fredricson all wrote similarly.
Kilmarnock’s game against Aberdeen on Saturday evening is likely to come too soon for Hugill.
The former United striker could make his Kilmarnock debut on Wednesday night against Rangers.
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