Fresh off the back of netting a goal in United's 2-0 victory over Rangers last weekend, Hugill was all set to be part of the squad jetting off across the Atlantic. However, his name was subsequently removed from the list.
With Joshua Zirkzee still away following his stint with the Netherlands at the European Championship, Hugill would have been a handy addition. Rasmus Hojlund and Ethan Wheatley are the only centre-forwards who have made the trip to the US.
Despite being highly rated at United, he wasn't likely to be a regular in the first team this season. Hugill has yet to make a competitive appearance for the club, and Zirkzee's arrival has pushed him further down the pecking order. It's a move that works for everyone involved.
Hugill spent part of last season on loan, joining Burton Albion in January. He stayed with the Brewers for the rest of the season, making 18 appearances and scoring one goal.
His brief spell in the Midlands was a true test of his mettle; Burton were embroiled in a relegation scrap and managed to avoid the drop by a mere two points. Wigan, on the other hand, will be aiming to compete at the opposite end of the table this season.
Moreover, Hugill stands to gain from spending an entire season out on loan, rather than joining a club halfway through the campaign. Having signed for the Latics before July's end, he'll have ample time to acclimate to his new environment and get to know his teammates before the season kicks off.
Everyone connected with United will be rooting for Hugill to make a resounding success of his stint with the Latics and return to Old Trafford at the end of the season as a more accomplished player. He's already demonstrated at youth level that he has a knack for finding the back of the net, and now it's time for him to showcase that talent on the big stage.
On the other side of the city Manchester, Liam Delap found himself in a similar situation at City, being a promising young player who was unlikely to make the cut, leading to his sale to Ipswich Town. He netted just eight goals during his loan spell at Hull City last season.
Meanwhile, City have successfully monetized several of their academy graduates, from Cole Palmer to James Trafford, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis. United are aiming to raise their standards to match and want to build a team capable of restoring them to their former glory. This implies further investment and more high-profile signings.
Liverpool.com says: It is key that young players get first-team exposure and if their chances are slim at their parent club, a loan move is best for all parties. It is a path that Liverpool will likely follow with Jayden Danns this summer as he continues to be linked with a loan at Plymouth.
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