Manchester United striker Joe Hugill’s complicated loan to Wigan Athletic continued with another quiet performance as his team beat Nottingham Forest U21s on penalties in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
The game ended 0-0 before the Latics came out on top 3-0 on penalties.
The English striker adapted to life quickly at The Brick Community Stadium, scoring three goals early on in the season.
Since the end of September though, he has had to contend with injuries and has had limited opportunities to impress.
In fact, his 58 minutes on Tuesday night was the most onfield action he has seen since facing Lincoln away on the 21st of September.
The 21-year-old was given a rating of 6.6 by Sofascore as he struggled to get involved with his teammates failing to produce many clear-cut chances for him.
He did have one shot on target which counted as a big chance missed, and he really should have given his side the lead in the first half.
After a slip from the Forest defender, Hugill showed good anticipation to race in behind the defence but when facing the keeper one-on-one, he tamely fired the ball past the onrushing shot-stopper, but it was easily cleared by the desperate defenders chasing back.
The finish lacked conviction and it was clear to see that the United striker is a man who is struggling for confidence and match rhythm due to the stop-start nature of his recent career at Wigan.
Hugill only had 14 touches of the ball and completed just three out of his six passes for a passing accuracy of 50%.
He was competitive in his duels though, winning four out of seven ground duels and two out of his four aerial battles.
Hugill also helped out defensively, making three tackles and completing one clearance in the match.
He also picked up a yellow card and was subbed off after 58 minutes of play.
It was a poor showing from the United man but he will certainly be happy to get a start and more time on the pitch in what has been a challenging loan spell.
Hugill will hope to get another start after the international break when his side travel to Barnsley on Saturday, November 23.
Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
