Manager sacked after Man Utd youngster scores first goal since loan exit as Liverpool legend 'lined up'

Joe Hugill of Manchester United in action during a pre-season training session at Carrington Training Ground on July 22, 2024 in Manchester, England.Joe Hugill of Manchester United in action during a pre-season training session at Carrington Training Ground on July 22, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Joe Hugill of Manchester United in action during a pre-season training session at Carrington Training Ground on July 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. | Manchester United via Getty Imag
One Manchester United loanee saw the manager who signed him sacked on Monday

The Red Devils secured deals for two senior arrivals in the winter window, with Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven signing for United. The club’s business was largely dominated by loan departures with a host of academy players heading out while Marcus Rashford and Antony departed from Ruben Amorim’s senior squad.

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Midway through January, Joe Hugill was sent on loan to League Two side Carlisle United. However, the 21-year-old striker is now facing a period of uncertainty after manager Mike Williamson was sacked on Monday.

Williamson sacked after Swindon loss

Ex-Newcastle United and Wolves defender Williamson was dismissed after a 5-1 defeat against Swindon Town as the Cumbrian club sit bottom of League Two. Hugill scored Carlisle’s goal in that defeat. A short statement on Monday read: “Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that head coach Mike Williamson has this morning been relieved of his duties and has left the club with immediate effect. Everyone at the club would like to thank Mike for his efforts during his time at the club. The club will give a further update in the coming days.”

When Hugill arrived at Carlisle, Williamson said of him: “We are delighted to have been able to bring Joe in. He’s somebody who we have been pursuing for a while. He gives us pace and power, and he’ll bring another dimension to our play. He’s got goals in him, so we’re delighted he’s chosen to come to us.”

Williamson only joined Carlisle in September but won just five of his 25 matches in charge. He started his management career with Gateshead, winning 83 of his 175 games while also lifting the National League North title in 2022. He had a 46-game spell in charge at MK Dons, before leaving for Carlisle.

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Steven Gerrard lined-up

According to the Daily Mail, Carlisle are lining up a surprise approach for Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. The former England midfielder started his coaching career with the Liverpool academy and caught the eye of Rangers. He won the Scottish Premiership in 2020 with the club to end nine years of Celtic dominance. He earned a move to Aston Villa but lasted less than a year after a tough spell in Birmingham.

He left England for Saudi side Al-Ettifaq in 2023 but departed the club last week after 18 months in charge. Former Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt has been named as one of the early frontrunners to take over at Carlisle but the club’s American owners have raised the possibility of approaching Gerrard. A move to League Two feels unlikely for Gerrard, who would be inheriting a tough situation in Cumbrian with Carlisle facing the very real threat of relegation to the National League.

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