Club boss 'would love' to sign Man Utd defender who has 'a massive future ahead of him'

Manchester United loanee Will Fish is quickly establishing himself as a fan favourite in the Scottish capital with Premiership outfit Hibernian.

The 20-year-old defender is a highly rated prospect who made his debut for the Red Devils in the final game of the 2020/21 season as a substitute during a 2-1 victory over Wolves.

A loan spell at Stockport County soon followed in the 2021/22 campaign, but it was last season’s stint at Hibs which propelled him into the world of senior football as the centre back made 21 appearances in the top-flight of Scottish football.

Fish’s form in his first season prompted Hibs to sign the player on yet another loan deal this season, although this deal does include a clause which allows the Red Devils to recall the player in January if needed.

But Fish, aware that he could be called back just to be loaned out elsewhere, has openly declared his desire to stay in Edinburgh. While his manager Nick Montgomery has waxed lyrical of the players talent and even claimed that he would like to sign him on a long term deal.

In an exclusive interview with Edinburgh Evening News, Montgomery told journalists: “I would love to keep Will, not just this season but on a permanent deal. The kid is still just 20 years old, and he’s growing every week. I think his performances belie his age. He plays like a seasoned professional.”

Hibs are beginning to show great signs of improvement under Montgomery, who replaced former boss Lee Johnson earlier in the season. Fish has been a regular throughout this period and has started all 14 of his side’s games this term.

Montgomery claims the player is vital to his long term plans and explains he is very happy at the club.

“To watch him in training every day and see the effort he puts into games, he’s really low maintenance. I think he’s got a massive future ahead of him.

“We’re really lucky to have him at the club. And he loves playing for Hibs, loves the club and the boys. Hopefully he’s with us for the season – and who knows what will happen after that?

“He’s just a top human being, No. 1. And, as a player, you know he’s not going to let you down intentionally. Even if he makes a mistake, he’s the first one to try to rectify it. I think he’s got massive potential.”

Fish is growing to be an important player at Easter Road and Montgomery adds that he is growing into a great all round footballer with many of the attributes needed to be a success at a top team.

Montgomery added: “He’s really coachable. He’s gone from not really being a centre-back who could play out with the ball, to now being able to carry the ball, break lines with his passing, driving forward when the opportunity comes.

“He’s still developing and he’s going to keep improving on that side. But the only way to improve on that is by doing it in training and games. And, when you make a mistake, you get the ball again and go again, keep trying to do the right things. He’s really, really easy to have in the squad because he just wants to learn.”

Fish has represented England at U17, U18 and U19 level and is under contract at Manchester United until at least the summer of 2025 as it stands.  

Fish admitted that he is no rush to make the return to Old Trafford this season and in a recent interview with The Mirror he spoke of his desire to help Hibs in securing a top three finish.

When quizzed about returning to Manchester United in January, He said: to be honest with you, those discussions haven’t been had yet. It’s not something that I’m actively looking to do.

“If I stay here, that’s something that I would love to do [reach the top 3]. It’s still pretty early in the season but under the gaffer, his coaching team and the way he wants to play, I think a few more tweaks and building on leads, we can easily push for the third spot."