"I've loved every minute": Long-term loanee hints at Old Trafford return, could solve a big problem

16/04/2024 08:31

Manchester United loanee Will Fish has spoken out on his disappointment with Hibernian’s finish to phase one of the Scottish Premiership and suggested he has no idea what the future brings in regard to his playing career.

The 21 year old has played 65 times for the Easter Road side over two seasons and gained valuable experience along the way.

Fish has regularly been one of the Edinburgh side’s most important players and once again, put in a fine defensive display against Motherwell last Saturday.

Musing on his future, footballscotland report that he said, “I haven’t really given it much thought, to be honest”.

“I take it step by step and whatever happens in the summer, I don’t know. But I’ve loved every minute of playing for Hibs”.

The Mancunian born defender went on to express regret to how the season ended, with the Hibees only winning three league games in 2024.

“My focus this season was here and do the best I can for the club. But I feel like I’ve failed because the team is now in the bottom six. I’ve played in a lot of those games, but no one out there ever gives less than 100 per cent”.

“We’ve had a few things go against us and sloppy moments like this one in the last minute have cost us. I’d never say it’s down to lack of effort or training, but that’s football and it hurts. I’ve focused on this season, and this season only, for now”.

Despite where his future may lie, Fish claimed he would do everything he could to finish the season on a high and win the five remaining games the Easter Road outfit have to play in the second phase of the season.

The youngster also threw his support behind current coach, Nick Montgomery.

“It’s not something that’s crossed my mind – or any of the players’ minds – that the management team can’t be successful at this club, because we see it day in and day out. They’re tactical in their thoughts, in their training and in the amount of effort they put into making us better. Everyone can see that”.

The youngster finally set out what the club should aim to achieve in the future and it is much more adventurous than a seventh place finish.

“Results have gone against us, though, and it’s not worked out. We want to be third and we want to be playing in Europe. We’ve had some great days and away days in Europe which will stick with me forever. That’s where this club should be and the players can only apologise for not achieving that this year”.

There is no doubt that Fish’s loan has been a rare example of a functioning one for Manchester United. Of course, there have been highs and lows but he has played 90 minutes consistently and in two years, he has transformed himself into one of the club’s most vital players.

In a season where United have struggled massively with injuries, especially at centre back, Fish could well have been an option alongside Willy Kambwala to boost the depleted ranks.

If the youngster does return to United in pre-season, he will no doubt feel he has a shot of breaking into the first team with the future of so many defenders at the club less than certain.