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With the pre-season well underway now, United are getting ready for their tour of the United States.
Two games in now, United have suffered a 1-0 defeat to Rosenborg in Norway, and secured a 2-0 victory over Rangers in Scotland. The United academy graduates have been given the chance to shine in the first two games, so it’s no surprise that some excitement is already building around a couple of names.
United have set up loan moves for two of their young pre-season stars, with deals set to be confirmed once the Red Devils return from the states.
Two stars set for loan
The two prospects in question are goalkeeper Radek Vitek and striker Joe Hugill.
Both men are included in Erik ten Hag’s plans for the pre-season tour in America, seeing United take on Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool.
Vitek and Hugill have quickly got themselves known this summer, with the 20-year-old keeper awarded the man of the match in the Rosenborg game, while the 20-year-old striker Hugill scored an impressive goal against Rangers at Murrayfield.
Both stars have already been out on loans, with Vitek seeing half of last season at Accrington, whilst Hugill shone at Altincham and Burton Albion.
Who is Radek Vitek?
The Czech goalkeeper has come up through the Olomouc youth squads before moving to Old Trafford in 2020 as part of the Under-18s side.
While in the youth academy, Vitek has made 33 appearances with a total of 7 clean sheets for United before being promote to the senior squad, now playing in the reserve league for Under-21s. So far the 20-year-old has made 22 appearances for the reserve squad, however now was given his chance in pre-season, which he’s taken with both hands.
His recent loan to Accrington has given him much needed game time and confidence, getting four clean sheets in 18 games. This new experience and skill is now being seen in the pre-season, excelling for the United squad.
Vitek’s performance against Rosenborg was truly brilliant, with the goalkeeper finally being beaten in extra-time. His impressive run of superb saves kept United in the game right until the end, but he was still awarded the Man of the Match despite being beaten.
Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton are still on leave following Euro 2024, making Vitek and Andre Onana the only goalkeepers with the squad. With two goalkeepers absent, the Euros have essentially granted him an almost guaranteed place on the plane to America.
Who is Joe Hugill?
Much like Vitek, Hugill joined United at Under-18s level, moving to Old Trafford from Sunderland youth.
At Under-18s level, Hugill has been incredible, with 18 goals and four assists in 24 games, only to extend his run at Under-21s level with 31 goals in 57 games.
With such an impressive goal scoring ability, National League side Altrincham took the striker on loan where he featured in seven games, grapping a single goal. Hugill went on to go on loan to Burton Albion where he got four goal contributions in 18 games before returning to Old Trafford.
Hugill referenced his time at Burton when discussing his goal on Saturday, saying: “It was a great loan, getting to a men’s first-team changing room.”
He continued: “Having to fight for three points constantly in the league [was great] and playing Saturday then Tuesday was tough, but that’s what you’re there for at a young age.”
So far in pre-season, Hugill has shared striking duties with Ethan Wheatley with Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho set to miss the tour while on leave following Euro 2024 and the Copa America. Rasmus Hojlund is expected to be back in time, ready to fly out to the States with the squad.
With the club experiencing many absences thanks to the international tournaments, Hugill and Vitek are set to have a fantastic opportunity to make themselves known.
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