12/12/2024

Manchester United make loan decisions on two young pre-season stars

Hace 5 meses

Manchester United make loan decisions on two young pre-season stars

Two Man Utd academy graduates have shone in pre-season so far and they could get the chance to develop further next season

Two Man Utd academy graduates have shone in pre-season so far and they could get the chance to develop further next season

Goalkeeper Radek Vitek and striker Joe Hugill are set to depart Manchester United on loan after getting a chance on the club's pre-season tour of the United States.

Vitek and Hugill have impressed in the early stages of pre-season, with the 20-year-old Czech the man of the match in the 1-0 defeat to Rosenborg last week, while former Sunderland striker Hugill scored a stylish goal in the 2-0 win against Rangers at Murrayfield.

Andre Onana's return meant Vitek was an unused substitute in Scotland, having played the full game in Trondheim, where he pulled off a string of superb saves before finally being beaten in injury time. Hugill, 20, played a half in both games and scored the second against Rangers, smashing a first-time finish in off the crossbar.

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Onana remains the only senior goalkeeper back in pre-season training, with Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton granted extra leave as a result of their involvement in the final stages of Euro 2024. That means Vitek is set to be included in the goalkeeping group for the tour and could feature in the games against Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool.

Hugill has shared striking duties with Ethan Wheatley so far and although Rasmus Hojlund is expected to return to Carrington in time for the tour, new boy Joshua Zirkzee won't link up with the squad until they return, while Alejandro Garnacho will also miss the tour after Argentina won the Copa America. That will give Hugill the chance to impress in the United States.

Both players are set for loan moves for 2024/25, however, with deals to be confirmed after the tour ends. United return to the UK on Sunday, August 4.

There has been 'significant' loan interest in Vitek this summer. He excelled for League Two Accrington Stanley in the second half of last season and is expected to step up at least one level this term.

Hugill also moved to League One Burton Albion in January and scored once in 18 games, as well as registering three assists. Speaking after his goal on Saturday, he revealed the benefits of his move to the Brewers.

"It was a great loan, getting to a men's first-team changing room," he said. "Having to fight for three points constantly in the league [was great] and playing Saturday then Tuesday was tough, but that's what you're there for at a young age."

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