Kobbie Mainoo and Joe Hugill(Image: PA)

I worked closely with Ruud van Nistelrooy this summer – I can save Man Utd millions

by · Wales Online

Joe Hugill is drawing inspiration from Manchester United's legendary striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as he aims to become the club's next iconic No.9.

The 21-year-old, who joined United's academy in 2020, has been making waves in the football world - particularly via his impressive goal against Rangers in a friendly match this July. Currently on loan at Wigan Athletic, Hugill has had the opportunity to learn from some of the best strikers in United's history, including Van Nistelrooy - who is now an assistant to Erik ten Hag - and former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Hugill, who began his career at Newcastle United before moving to Sunderland, and eventually joined United for £300,000, has set his sights on leading the line at Old Trafford when he returns. The young striker has been part of the same talented crop as Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, and his pre-season performances have given him a taste of what it's like to play for the first team.

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When asked about his goal, Hugill compared it to a typical Van Nistelrooy strike, highlighting the Dutch coach's influence on his development. Speaking to the MEN, he said: "He's just a bit before my time. We knew of him, how he was one of the best finishers in the Premier League," reports the Mirror.

"That's what we were joking about when I scored against Rangers, saying that I was watching him the night before. But I've really enjoyed working with him, having that figure to look up to was good for me."

The English forward also recalled that Van Nistelrooy praised his technique: "He said how good the finish was, the movement to create the space for me, how composed I was, and I knew what I wanted to do straight away." Reflecting on his previous training, Hugill said: "We did position specific on the pitch," detailing the tactical work.

Joe Hugill impressed in pre-season(Image: PA)

"A lot of the 8s running on, creating opportunities for the 9s with the crosses, different types of crosses coming into the box, where he wants the 9s to be. He did his own drills to help the forward players out." Since returning to Old Trafford, Van Nistelrooy has been lauded for his coaching techniques, but the Dutchman is not the only United legend credited for impacting Hugill's development.

The presence of Solskjaer, who brought the youngster to Old Trafford, also proved beneficial. Discussing his rapport with former Man Utd staff, Hugill acknowledged: "I worked well with Ole, especially with him being a striker as well. It helped me a lot," before going on to mention the important roles of Michael Carrick who is now Middlesbrough's manager, and Kieran McKenna, who was recently celebrated for leading Ipswich Town to promotion to the Premier League.

Ruud van Nistelrooy(Image: Getty Images)

"I went down to London with them and that was my first time being around the first team for a couple of weeks, so I really enjoyed that. Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna helped me a lot as well, and you look at what they're doing now. You could always feel like they were top coaches."

With such esteemed guidance, Hugill is aiming high. The forward has already scored twice for the Latics in League One and is eager to replicate this success for the Red Devils. On his ambitions for the season, Hugill said: "Kick on as much as possible to be United's No. 9 is every young lad's dream. I always back myself 100 per cent. Always 100% going for something."