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Ole Gunnar has named the 17-year-old striker ahead of prodigy Amad Diallo in Manchester United’s first-team debut.
But when asked about the 18-year-old Ivorian, signed from Atalanta in January for a fee that could rise to £ 37million, Solskjaer claimed it was England striker Hugill who was ahead in the pecking order when it came to senior debuts.
“We will give him time to settle in,” said the highly rated United manager Diallo.
“If we get out of this game [against Liverpool], I would choose Joe Hugill.
“Four goals from Hugill, he’s also a great striker, we can’t wait to see his development.”
Solskjaer, an elite goalscorer himself, even jokingly asked why Hugill let Diallo take a late penalty (which he converted via a panenka) instead of aiming for five goals against rivals United.
14 days ago“Amad is off to a good start and why Joe didn’t take the penalty himself to score five goals? I’ll ask him,” he added.
Diallo’s brace and Hugill’s four meant the pair shared all goals against Liverpool. Highlights show Hugill – who was only 17 in October – expertly finishing against admittedly unsuccessful opposition in defense. Perhaps because every competent center-back, regardless of age, has been called up to Liverpool’s first team.
Manchester United have had a reputation for producing elite attacking talent, especially in recent years with Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood making their first team appearances in spectacular fashion.
Hugill – who joined Man United’s academy from Sunderland last summer – has taken over this season with 14 goals in 18 games for the Under-18 and Under-23 teams.
It’s too early to overwhelm him with the label of the next attacker on the Rashford-Greenwood production line. But it is clear that Solskjaer enjoys his chances in the first team and there is still an opportunity this season.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / Manchester United
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