Manchester United have announced that Joe Hugill has joined Burton Albion on loan for the second half of the 2023-24 campaign, shortly after signing a new deal at Old Trafford.
The 20-year-old is yet to make his first-team debut for the Red Devils, but he signed a new contract at the club last week, with his terms now running until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
Despite Man United lacking options at centre-forward, it has been decided that Hugill's development would be best-served away from the club at this stage of his career, and he will spend the rest of the season with Burton.
Martin Paterson's side operate in League One, and they currently sit 17th in the table ahead of their next game away to Derby County on Monday night.
"Joe Hugill has joined Burton Albion, of League One, on loan until the end of the 2023/24 season," read a statement on Man United's official website on Friday.
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Hugill has been in Man United's first-team squad on four occasions this season, including twice in the Champions League, while he was on the bench against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup last week.
The forward, who moved to Old Trafford from Sunderland in 2020, has been in strong form in Premier League 2 this season, scoring seven goals and registering one assist in nine appearances.
Hugill spent time on loan at Altrincham last year, scoring once in seven appearances, and he will now play his football in League One for the remainder of the campaign.
"Burton Albion has completed the signing of highly-rated striker Joe Hugill from Manchester United on a loan deal until the end of the season," read a statement on the club's official website.
"The Brewers have fought off competition from a host of EFL clubs to sign the 20-year-old, who will go straight into the Albion squad for Monday night's clash away at Derby County."
Delighted to join @burtonalbionfc on loan for the rest of the season. Looking forward to getting started 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/9umzrIPajh
— Joe Hugill (@9joehugill) January 12, 2024
Burton manager Paterson told the club's official website: "We're really happy to get the loan signing of Joe over the line. A lot of hard work has been put in behind the scenes by Gary [Mills] and the team to make this move happen, fighting off a lot of competition from other clubs to sign him on loan.
"I briefly worked with him at Barnsley when he came in on work experience and you could see his potential then. We want to thank Manchester United for trusting us with the development of a player they have high hopes for. I pride myself on developing strikers and I think Joe can be a really good addition to us."
Meanwhile, Hugill added: "It's a great opportunity for me. As my first football league loan I'm really excited for it and looking forward to getting going.
"I can't wait to experience men's first-team action and getting as much experience and games under my belt and hopefully score some goals. I'm really looking forward to meeting the lads and getting going.
"Burton is a family club and I'm very family oriented myself which played a huge part in me coming here. I know a couple of the boys who are already here and they've been really positive about the place. I spoke to Mark Helm as soon as there was interest and straight away he said what a good club it is and I'm buzzing to get going."
Hugill has scored 31 times and registered three assists in 57 appearances for Man United at Under-21s level.
