Manchester United youngster Will Fish is attracting interest from Championship clubs in this summer transfer window.
Fish, 21, spent last season on loan with Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership and it’s understood United insiders considered his temporary spell as one of the most successful loans they had arranged. The young centre-back made 45 appearances for Hibs and started almost every game during the campaign, gaining important senior experience at the heart of their defence.
Fish started regularly in a challenging senior environment and there is now a decision to be made on his future. The Manchester Evening News understands there are Championship clubs interested in signing him on loan and on permanent deals this summer.
However, it’s understood no decision has been communicated on Fish’s future and he could travel with the squad to the United States for this summer’s pre-season friendlies. Fish was a late call-up to the pre-season travelling squad to Thailand and Australia in Ten Hag’s first summer in charge and the Dutchman is set to decide on the defender’s next step.
Fish started alongside Jonny Evans at centre-back for United’s opening pre-season friendly against Rosenborg and was replaced at half-time when every outfield player was substituted.
There has been defensive upheaval at United and Fish, like each youngster at the club, is being looked at in pre-season. But it’s thought he would prefer to play consistent first-team football than having a peripheral squad role at this stage of his career.
Last season was Fish’s second loan spell with Hibs while he also spent the first half of the 2021/22 season on loan with Stockport County. He made his United senior debut aged just 17 when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave him a cameo against Wolves on the final day of the 2020/21 Premier League season.
United academy manager Travis Binnion praised Fish in an interview with the MEN in May, saying: “He’s a great kid, he just wants to play football and have success. “Hierbnian have been great for him, so he’s in a really good place and there’s a lot of interest in him for future loans and coming back with us, the manager will have another look at him and see how he’s progressed.”
Fish is a local lad, born in Denton, and has been on United’s books since he joined the academy at seven. His contract with United expires in 2025 but the club have the option of another year.
