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Manchester United youngsters Radek Vitek and Joe Hugill will both be sent out on loan after getting the chance to shine on the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.
Both players have been key contributors so far to pre-season in matches against Rosenborg and Glasgow Rangers.
In the Red Devils’ first match in Norway, a youthful side looked well off the pace and it was only an inspired performance from goalkeeper Vitek that kept the score down after he made a string of fine saves.
Conceding a late goal with the last kick of the game was harsh on him as he played wonderfully.
Hugill made his mark last Saturday when he fired in a second half strike against Rangers that he took first time, crashing the ball off the underside of the crossbar to give his side a 2-0 lead at Murrayfield.
The Manchester Evening News has reported that “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.”
“Both players are set for loan moves for 2024/25, however, with deals to be confirmed after the tour ends”, as the squad will return to the United Kingdom on the 4th of August.
Vitek did not get the opportunity to play on Saturday as first choice keeper Andre Onana returned and with Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton also to come back, his playing time is likely to diminish.
Hugill has received 45 minutes of action in both pre-season matches to date but as Rasmus Hojlund and new signing Joshua Zirkzee join up with the side, he will clearly see less time on the pitch.
The Czech keeper spent half of last season on loan at Accrington Stanley, where he made a strong impression and did not looked out of place in men’s football.
Shrewsbury Town are just one of a number of clubs who are said to be interested in taking the player next season on loan.
Hugill’s time in League One with Burton Albion was a little more complicated as he only managed one goal and three assists in 18 appearances for the club and he was often on the periphery of the action.
Nonetheless, the player has spoken in glowing terms of the experience and commented, “it was a great loan, getting to a men’s first-team changing room. 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.”
Both at 20 years of age, the two FA Youth Cup winners will aim for a successful loan this season if they are to stand any chance of ever making it at Old Trafford. Former teammates in the academy Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have both shown if you are good enough, there is a path to the first team for youth at Old Trafford and one both players will be keen to follow.
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