NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 02: Joe Hugill of Manchester United U18s celebrates scoring their first goal during the U18 Premier League match between Newcastle United U18s and Manchester United U18s at Whitley Park on October 02, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Tom Purslow/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United youngster Joe Hugill bagged a hat-trick at the weekend for the under-18s.
The 17-year-old striker tormented Newcastle in a 5-0 win, and it was one he particularly enjoyed.
Hugill was raised in the North East and played for Newcastle’s former rivals Sunderland before joining Manchester United in 2020.
It was the second hat-trick of Hugill’s Manchester United academy career, following a four-goal haul he scored for the under-23s against Liverpool back in January.
After expressing his delight at helping the under-18s to a fourth successive victory, Hugill was congratulated by his academy teammates on social media.
Teammate Charlie Savage’s assertion that it was ‘too easy’ for Hugill was probably correct.
Hugill has nine goals in six total under-18 appearances and he is usually playing at under-23 level. Anthony Elanga dropping back down into the 23s prompted United to use Hugill for the under-18s.
Success for under-23s
Saturday proved to be a productive day for Manchester United’s academy teams.
United’s under-23s outclassed rivals Liverpool with a 3-0 victory. Bjorn Hardley, Anthony Elanga and Shola Shoretire were on the scoresheet.
Having missed a late chance in FA Youth Cup elimination against Liverpool back in early April, this goal will have been particularly sweet for Shoretire.
It was the first time Shoretire had scored against Liverpool and just like Hugill, his social media post was deluged by congratulations from his peers.
The victory over Liverpool followed wins over Brighton and Everton at under-23 level.
It means United currently sit in seventh place out of 14 teams after seven games, level on points with Leeds and Tottenham who are fifth and sixth.
