Man United youngster likened to Vardy & Owen joins League Two side on loan

Manchester United have confirmed that young striker Joe Hugill has joined League Two outfit Barnet on loan for the 2025/26 season (via the club’s official website).

This is the fifth loan spell for the English forward, having previously played with Altrincham, Burton Albion, Wigan Athletic and Carlisle United.

He spent the first half of last season with Wigan, where he featured in 15 games and scored five goals.

Hugill the joined Carlisle in the January transfer window but had no productive spell with the Cumbrians. He scored just two goals in 17 games.

Now, the 21-year-old will hope to regain his form and continue his development at Barnet.

Manager Dean Brennan has a huge belief in the young striker, comparing him to some of England’s finest forwards.

He told barnetfc.com: “We’ve been after this type of player for a long time. Even though he’s tall, his movements and attributes are all in behind.

“He’s got pace, excellent finisher, very dynamic – we want him to look down the barrel of the goal.

“He’s such an exciting player, he’s like a Jamie Vardy / Michael Owen type.”

Hugill joined United from Sunderland at the age of 16, choosing them over Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Sunderland-born striker impressed instantly, scoring six goals in five league games for the U18s and was quickly integrated into the U21s.

He played in the academy alongside Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo but has been unable to break into the first team like the trio.

However, he has featured in pre-season games and was on the scoresheet in last summer’s victory over Rangers.

Hugill will hope to impress at Barnet – either to break into United’s first team or secure a permanent move elsewhere.

Stats from transfermarkt.com

Article written by Henry Thornton .