Man Utd recall attacker loved by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from loan spell early

Manchester United's decision to recall Joe Hugill from a loan spell will surely please Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who previously described the youngster as a "top striker".

The 21-year-old had been at League One side Wigan Athletic from the start of the 2024–25 season and went on to score five goals in 18 games across all competitions for the Latics.

Despite being sent out on loan, he has been highly regarded at United since signing for the club from Sunderland for £300,000 in 2020.

The Durham native had quite the quick ascent through the academy ranks. He initially starred for the U18s before moving up to the U23s in the same season.

He soon caught the attention of Solskjaer - who was the United boss at the time - thanks to a four-goal haul against Liverpool, a game that also marked the club debut of Amad Diallo.

While the Ivorian grabbed the headlines with a scintillating performance, it was Hugill who earned a namecheck from the Baby-Faced Assassin. The United legend said: "If we go from that game [vs Liverpool], I’d pick Joe Hugill.

"Four goals by Hugill, he’s a top striker as well, we’re looking forward to seeing his development." Despite impressing the Norwegian, the striker never made the step up to the first team and has yet to make an appearance for the senior side.

Ruben Amorim's men have struggled for goals, but it will be a tall ask for Hugill to get his chance despite United triggering the clause to recall him early from his loan. United have scored just 23 Premier League goals this season, with £72million striker Rasmus Hojlund bagging just four goals, while fellow striker Joshua Zirkzee has contributed with a mere three goals.

Hugill's return to Old Trafford comes after the forward's struggle for action, having only had 49 minutes of game-time in his last five league games. He did manage to score in the 17 minutes he was on the pitch against League One highflyers Wrexham in what ended as a 2-1 defeat for Wigan.