“That’s where I want to be”: Joe Hugill says he wants to follow in the footsteps of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo

Manchester United loanee Joe Hugill has expressed his ambition to follow in the footsteps of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, both of whom have made it into the first team.

Hugill, who joined United from Sunderland in the summer of 2020, is currently out on loan at Wigan Athletic.

The 21-year-old has so far made eight League One appearances, scoring twice. An injury setback however hindered his incredible start to life at the club.

Hugill spoke to Sky Sports and reflected on how life has been at the DW Stadium, what he needs to do to improve his game and his experience of working with Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The forward told Sky, “When you’re at the biggest club in the world you’re always going to have eyes on you, no matter where you go. But it’s also just about being steady in yourself. I’m focusing on Wigan now and doing well for the club this season.”

“I’ve kind of always been the No 9, even growing up. But to be given it here from that start of the season, it’s the backing you want as a striker, especially from the manager.”

“I’m still getting used to the setup, new team-mates and what the manager expects from me, and you always want to do better. But I think it’s been okay. I scored the two goals against Bristol Rovers, but then obviously picked up the injury. I feel like there’s loads more to come.”

When asked about Van Nistelrooy’s impact, Hugill remarked, “I was too young to watch him play for United, but I spoke to my older brothers who were saying how good he was. I’ve seen all the videos and all the goals. He was one of the best finishers the Premier League has ever seen.”

“As soon as you heard he was coming in you were thinking, as a striker, it was perfect for me. Him and Rene [Hake] came in and they brought in new ideas, even if it’s the little things like being in the box, his movement, everything like that.”

“I only had a few little sessions with him, but you could always tell, even just the way he passed the ball and how smooth it always was, that he played at the highest level and how good he was.”

Hugill opened up about the massive strides made by Garnacho and Mainoo – two players he knows very well from their time together at Carrington.

He explained that Garnacho took time to get acclimated to life at United but once he did, the Argentine never looked back.

On Mainoo, Hugill stated that the midfielder hasn’t changed the way he plays.

Hugill reiterated, “It shows that the pathway is there, and that’s where I want to be as well.”

The striker acknowledged that to achieve his goal, there are “a few little things” he must refine including holding up play.