'I learned from Ruud van Nistelrooy this summer - I'm vying to be Man Utd's next striker'

Manchester United youngster Joe Hugill is drawing inspiration from the legendary Ruud van Nistelrooy as he aims to become the next iconic No.9 for the Red Devils. Durham-born Hugill joined United's academy in 2020 and made his mark this July with a spectacular goal against Rangers during a friendly match.

Currently on loan at Wigan Athletic, the forward has been under the guidance of some of United's most celebrated strikers, including Erik ten Hag's assistant Van Nistelrooy and former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Now aged 21, Hugill is determined to follow in the footsteps of his mentors by becoming the main striker at Old Trafford upon his return.

Hugill arrived at Carrington the same year as star winger Alejandro Garnacho and is part of the same talented group as Kobbie Mainoo. He began his career with before moving to their rivals Sunderland, reports .

Four years after his £300,000 transfer to Manchester, Hugill was given an opportunity in pre-season and seized it with his sensational goal in Scotland. When asked about his goal, the young player likened it to one typical of Van Nistelrooy, who had already been helping him hone his striking skills.

"He's just a bit before my time," Hugill admitted to about how he views the Dutch coach. "We knew of him, how he was one of the best finishers in the Premier League.

"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 young striker also shared Van Nistelrooy's praise after a notable goal: "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.

"We did position specific on the pitch," he said. "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."

Hugill didn't just credit Van Nistelrooy, but also acknowledged the role another former goalscorer, , on his career: "I worked well with Ole, especially with him being a striker as well. It helped me a lot," he confessed, also mentioning the impact of former United coaches Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna - now Ipswich Town manager - on his journey so far.

"I went down to London 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."

The young striker, who has already made an impact at Wigan with two goals in League One, is aiming high, replying when asked about his goals for the season: "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."