Premier League giants Manchester United are set to confirm the departure of forward Joe Hugill on loan to League Two strugglers Carlisle United.
The Red Devils have been linked with a whole host of departures this January transfer window, including forwards Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and even fan-favourite midfielder Kobie Mainoo.
However, the club appear to be keen to continue their recent trend of utilising the EFL loan system to develop their young stars.
In this case, young striker Joe Hugill is reportedly set to link up with Mike Williamson’s side, according to Pete O’Rourke, as they look to fend off relegation to the National League.
Promising Manchester United Forward
This will mark Hugill’s fourth loan spell away from the Red Devils and is perhaps indicative of his disappointing return in recent years.
He has spent the first half of the season on loan at Wigan Athletic in League One scoring just three goals in 13 league appearances.
This coupled with his return of just one goal for Altrincham and one goal for Burton Albion in his previous spells demonstrates how the forward is not delivering on his promise.
Subsequently he is having to drop down into the League Two relegation battle to perhaps regain some of his confidence as Manchester United continue to assess his development.
He has a decent return at youth level scoring 49 times across 81 U-18 and U-21 fixtures. But has failed to make the step up to senior football.
Manchester United will be keen to work out if he will be able to adjust or if it will be worth cutting their losses over the next couple of years by selling him.
At just 21 years old he does have some time on his hands, but the Red Devils can be ruthless if a player is unable to deliver by the age of 23.