Will Fish: Hibs bolster defensive options with loan capture of Manchester United centre-back

Hibs have completed the signing of Manchester United defender Will Fish on a season-long loan deal.

The 19-year-old was involved with Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad during pre-season and travelled with the seniors on their tour of Thailand and Australia.

Fish’s promotion was somewhat unexpected, with the slightly older and more experienced Teden Mengi seemingly in pole position in terms of the academy pecking order but ten Hag ran the rule over Fish early in pre-season at United’s Carrington training complex and opted to bring him in to replace Axel Tuanzebe, who pulled out for personal reasons.

Fish made his United first-team debut on the final day of the 2020/21 season, coming on as a late substitute in a 2-1 win against Wolves.

He also had a brief loan spell with National League side Stockport County in the first half of the 2021/22 campaign, and played alongside Easter Road midfielder Nohan Kenneh in England’s youth teams.

He signed a long-term deal with the Red Devils earlier this summer, tying him to the English Premier League side until 2025, with the option of an additional year.

Fish is a ball-playing centre-back who will provide Hibs with further depth in defence following injury to Rocky Bushiri.

Hibs manager Lee Johnson welcomed Fish to the club, adding: “Will comes to us with an excellent pedigree captaining Manchester United’s Under-23s and playing for England.

“He’s a dominant centre-back who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and adds extra depth to our defence.

“We welcome him to the club with open arms and look forward to working with him.”