Kevin Phillips left 'fuming' by decision to let highly-rated talent Joe Hugill leave Sunderland

The teenage forward is one of a number of promising talents to have departed Wearside in recent times, and has made a strong start to life in the North West.

Hugill has been hitting the headlines after registering nine goals in 12 outings for the Reds’ U23s, including four against Liverpool in the Premier League 2 last week.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already hinted towards first team opportunities at Old Trafford for the 17-year-old, and Phillips believes that his former club made a mistake by letting him leave before he was able to make an impact on the senior setup at the Stadium of Light.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “I can believe it, just because of what’s gone on at Sunderland over the last 18 months in terms of their best young players just to make a few quid.

“I can believe it but if I’m a Sunderland supporter now, and I am a Sunderland fan, I’m fuming because you’ve got a player on your books there that could potentially come into your squad this year and score you goals to get you out the league.

“It’s not good news, is it really, for the fans? It doesn’t surprise me but good luck to the kid, he’s gone to a big club and he’s shining so I hope it works out for him.”

Hugill was on target again for Man United’s U23s on Friday night, scoring in a 6-4 win over Blackburn Rovers.