Ex-Sunderland forward set to leave Man Utd on loan after goal against Rangers in pre-season win
Former Sunderland forward Joe Hugill is reportedly set to join League One side Wigan on loan from Manchester United.
The 20-year-old was part of Sunderland’s academy setup but was sold to United in 2020. Hugill is yet to make a senior appearance for the Red Devils’ first team but did score during a 2-0 pre-season friendly win over Rangers, with Amad netting the opener for Erik ten Hag’s side.
According to our sister title Manchester World, Hugill is set to sign for Wigan on loan, with the deal including a mid-season break clause. The Latics finished 12th in League One last season, despite starting the campaign with minus eight points.
Since joining United four years ago, Hugill has also spent time on loan at Altrincham in the National League, while he made 18 League One appearances on loan at Burton in the second half of last season. He hasn’t been named in ten Hag’s 29-man squad for their pre-season trip to USA.
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Regis Le Bris admits Jobe Bellingham could now play in a different position for Sunderland
Jobe Bellingham looks set to play a key role for Sunderland next season.
The 18-year-old started 47 games for Sunderland last term, but came under his fair share of criticism for some his performances.
Jobe was deployed as a striker for much of the campaign, with the Black Cats’ four recognised No.9s struggling to impress following their summer arrivals.
Despite coming under scrutiny, the teenager finished the season with seven goals – becoming their second top scorer behind Jack Clarke.
Jobe was expected to play in his natural position in the middle of the park following his move from Birmingham City, and it now looks like he kind finally be allowed to play where he wants.
Jobe set to return to his natural position for Sunderland
Regis Le Bris has now revealed that he intends to ‘start’ the season with Jobe in midfield, with the permanent arrival of Alexandre Mendy looming.
Speaking to Sunderland Echo, the head coach said: ““I think it’s a good idea to start, and then we’ll see.
He has the great potential to press because he is physical and strong and energetic. That part of the game he can be very strong. Then from this position as a number eight on the left he can create a relationship with Jack, for example, or Dennis. Of course they need experience together to improve that triangle but I think that it could be a good position for him.”
The Black Cats now need to offload some midfielders
Jobe did a much better job up front than Sunderland’s strikers actually did, but with Mendy scheduled for a medical today, he is unlikely to stay ahead of the Caen attacker in the pecking order.
The youngster will face much more competition in the midfield, with Alan Browne, Jay Matete, Chris Rigg, Adil Aouchiche, Elliot Embleton, Dan Neil and Pierre Ekwah all pushing for a starting place.
With Rigg signing a new contract and reports claiming Jobe will stay despite interest, it seems likely the pair will be two of the first names on the team-sheet.
