Will Fish reveals Hibs loan move gained big-name backing from Man Utd stalwart

Will Fish was already sold on his loan move to Hibs but after speaking to Manchester United’s technical director any lingering doubts were assuaged.

Like Fish, former Scotland captain Darren Fletcher came through the ranks at Old Trafford, making well over 300 appearances for the club and winning over a dozen domestic and European trophies, before moving into coaching and his latest role.

So, the teenage centre-back was delighted that his deadline-day switch gained the former midfielder’s backing.

“To be fair, when I heard Hibs were interested, straight away I said, ‘yes’. Obviously I know who Hibs are, I know they’re a massive club, so it was a no-brainer.

Will Fish during a Hibs training session. Photo by Craig Brown / SNS Group

“I spoke to Fletch on the way up. He said it’s a great place to go, a massive club, with great fans. So, he thought the same as me.

“He’s great with us. He oversees training every day for the first-team and he helps sort out players making that next step up to the first-team from the 23s. So, he’s been great.”

A player that the Manchester United hierarchy have high hopes for, given his status as U-23s captain, the England age group international will have to wait for his Hibs debut but believes that his stint in Leith can benefit himself, the Easter Road side and, ultimately, the EPL giants.

“The main purpose of going on loan is getting you ready to hopefully one day go back and play for them.

“So, it’s about game-time and maturing, and trying to become a leader - stuff like that.”

Things didn't pan out on loan to Stockport County but the 19-year-old expects to be a more integral part of things at Hibs, where he has already been told to make the most of his aggression and leadership qualities.

“At a club as big as Man U, at any age group, to be captain is a privilege, so I’ve just got to take those qualities up here to Scotland and hopefully it can show.”

And, it’s not just his U-23 experience he has to tap into.

“When I was involved [with the first team] earlier in the season, in training you’ve got big names like [Harry] Maguire and [Raphael] Varane.

"They’re just teaching you the game, the little tricks and all that. I’m thankful for their help.”

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