Sport
Man United loanee Joe Hugill scores just three minutes into senior debut for Burton Albion
Talk about an impact sub.
Danny Jones -
16th January 2024 
Manchester United youngster Joe Hugill couldn’t have made a more instant impact in his first game for new loan club Burton Albion FC, as he managed to score after being on the pitch for less than three minutes — on his senior football league debut no less.
How about that for announcing yourself?
The 20-year-old joined Man United from Sunderland’s academy in 2020 after interest from the likes of Arsenal, Spurs, Leeds and more, and has impressed throughout the youth ranks ever since. He
Having spent the latter half of last year on loan at National League side Altrincham, along with fellow Reds Sonny Aljofree and Maxi Oyedele as part of a new grassroots support initiative, he has earned a place on Erik ten Hag’s first-team bench on multiple occasions this campaign.
Now spending the rest of this season on loan at Burton, he gave the Staffordshire-based fans a debut to get excited about with a quickfire goal just moments after coming on as a substitute.
Instilling serious hope of an impressive comeback or at least a draw with the equalising goal in the 65th minute, the United prospect sent the travelling supporters wild and will no doubt be reliving that moment over and over again.
Having now netted nine and assisted one in 13 appearances across the U23s Premier League, EFL Youth Trophy and now League One following his debut against Derby County, not to mention scoring in every game bar one of a dozen youth games with the Red Devils in 22/23, there’s no doubt he’s a goal threat.
The promising striker’s contribution was ultimately minimised as Derby scored a late winner in the 93rd minute through former Premier League striker Conor Hourihane, but it nevertheless delighted the away end and fans from his home club watching on with interest as they keep a keen eye on his progress.
Here’s what Hugill himself had to say after the game:
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While Brewers lauded him for a “very clever” finish and instinctive run towards goal, one United fan said, “I’m convinced this lad is going all the way. Love watching him.”
Although he has only just gone out on loan, it goes without saying that ten Hag and his coaching staff will be monitoring his loan move very closely as although fellow fledgling striker Rasmus Højlund has started scoring and they some options up front, his side is still lacking goals and a consistent performer up front.
The club have famously turned to their youth ranks when looking for inspiration in the past — is Joe Hugill another one to watch and how long before we see his senior competitive debut and first goal for United?
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Featured Images — Sky Sports (via screenshot)
