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Will Fish
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William Thomas Fish (born 17 February 2003) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for EFL League One club Cardiff City.
Key Information
A graduate of Manchester United's youth system, Fish made his first-team debut for the club in a Premier League game in May 2021. He had a loan spell at Stockport County during the 2021–22 season, and was loaned twice to Hibernian.
Fish has represented England at under-17, under-18 and under-19 levels.
Club career
[edit]Fish made his professional debut for Manchester United on 23 May 2021 in their final game of the 2020–21 Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers, coming on as a substitute for Daniel James in a 2–1 win.[3][4]
On 23 July 2021, Stockport County signed Fish on a season-long loan.[5] On 7 January 2022, Manchester United announced that he had been recalled from Stockport.[6]
On 1 September 2022, Fish joined Hibernian on a season-long loan.[7] He made his debut for Hibernian in a 1–0 defeat to Dundee United on 11 October 2022.[8] Fish played regularly for Hibs during the second half of the 2022–23 season. After playing for Manchester United in pre-season matches during July 2023, Fish rejoined Hibernian on loan for the 2023–24 season.[9]
On 23 August 2024, Fish left Manchester United and joined EFL Championship club Cardiff City on a four-year deal.[10] He scored his first goal for The Bluebirds on 28 October 2025, the winner in a 2–1 victory at Wrexham in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.[11]
International career
[edit]Fish has played youth international football for England at under-17, under-18 and under-19 levels.[12]
In October 2019, Fish scored for the England under-17 team in a defeat against Germany.[13]
On 2 September 2021, Fish made his debut for the England under-19 team during a 2–0 victory over Italy at St. George's Park.[14]
Career statistics
[edit]- As of match played 1 November 2025[15]
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Europe | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Manchester United U21 | 2020–21[16] | — | — | — | — | — | 4[c] | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||||
| Manchester United | 2020–21[16] | Premier League | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | |
| 2021–22[17] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2022–23[18] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2023–24[19] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| Total | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| Stockport County (loan) | 2021–22[17] | National League | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ||
| Hibernian (loan) | 2022–23[18] | Scottish Premiership | 21 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 21 | 3 | ||
| Hibernian (loan) | 2023–24[19] | Scottish Premiership | 34 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5[d] | 0 | — | 45 | 1 | |
| Cardiff City | 2024–25[20] | Championship | 21 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 |
| 2025–26[21] | EFL League One | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | — | 2[c] | 0 | 18 | 1 | ||
| Total | 33 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 42 | 1 | ||
| Career total | 91 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 115 | 5 | ||
- ^ Includes FA Cup, Scottish Cup
- ^ Includes EFL Cup, Scottish League Cup
- ^ a b Appearances in EFL Trophy
- ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League
References
[edit]- ^ "2020/21 Premier League squads confirmed". Premier League. 20 October 2020. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
- ^ "Will Fish". hibernianfc.co.uk. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
- ^ Rose, Gary (23 May 2021). "Wolves 1-2 Manchester United: Nuno Espirito Santo beaten in final game". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
- ^ Bray, Joe (24 May 2021). "Will Fish names his Manchester United target for next season". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
- ^ "County net Fish on loan". stockportcounty.com. Stockport County. 23 July 2021. Retrieved 28 July 2021.
- ^ "Fish returns from Stockport loan". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 7 January 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
- ^ "Will Fish Signs On Loan!". Hibernian FC. 2 September 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ Adams, Stanley (12 October 2022). "Manchester United youngster Will Fish makes Hibernian debut". UK Daily News. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
- ^ "Will Fish: Manchester Utd centre-half returns to Hibernian on loan". BBC Sport. 27 July 2023. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
- ^ "Will Fish joins Cardiff City from Manchester United". Cardiff City. 23 August 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
- ^ Mitchelmore, Ian (28 October 2025). "Wrexham 1–2 Cardiff". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
- ^ "Will Fish Internationals". worldfootball.net. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
- ^ "A late debut goal from Will Fish wasn't enough to secure a draw for the young lions". The Football Association. 12 October 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
- ^ "England MU19s 2-0 Italy". EnglandFootball.com. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
- ^ William Fish at Soccerway. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Games played by Will Fish in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
- ^ a b "Games played by Will Fish in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
- ^ a b "Games played by Will Fish in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
- ^ a b "Games played by Will Fish in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
- ^ "Games played by Will Fish in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
- ^ "Games played by Will Fish in 2025/2026". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
External links
[edit]- Profile at the Manchester United F.C. website
Will Fish
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Upbringing and family
William Thomas Fish was born on 17 February 2003 in Denton, Greater Manchester, England.[6][2] Fish grew up in the Manchester area in a family of devoted Manchester United supporters, whose passion for the club influenced his early interest in football.[8] His family expressed significant pride in his early career milestones, such as framing his Premier League debut shirt at his mother's house and sharing the moment via FaceTime.[6] Noted for his physical presence from a young age, Fish stands at 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) tall.[2][9]Youth football development
Will Fish joined Manchester United's academy at the age of seven, embarking on a structured path in organized youth football that would define his early development.[10] As a local talent from Manchester, he advanced steadily through the club's youth system, benefiting from the academy's renowned emphasis on technical and tactical growth.[11] By his mid-teens, Fish had emerged as a leader, captaining the Under-16 team and later the Under-18 side, demonstrating strong organizational skills in defense.[12] He progressed to the Under-18 level and made his first-team debut against Wolves in May 2021 at age 18, soon featuring regularly for the Under-23s, where he showcased commanding performances, including a notable display in training in 2020 that drew praise from fans.[8][12] In March 2020, he signed his first professional contract, signifying his transition toward senior opportunities while completing key milestones in the youth setup.[13] Throughout his academy tenure, Fish honed his skills as a right-footed centre-back, with training prioritizing defensive solidity, aerial duels, and ball progression from the back to suit modern tactical demands.[14] His physical conditioning was a focal point, building on his 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) frame to enhance strength and presence in challenges. Although specific youth awards elude detailed records, his rapid ascent underscored the academy's success in nurturing well-rounded defenders capable of high-level competition.[11]Club career
Manchester United
Will Fish joined Manchester United's academy at a young age and progressed through the youth ranks as a centre-back, earning recognition for his defensive potential. Fish made his senior debut for Manchester United on 23 May 2021, coming on as a late substitute in the final match of the 2020–21 Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers, which ended in a 2–1 victory at Molineux.[15][8] This appearance marked his only first-team outing for the club during that season and overall.[16] Prior to his debut, Fish had trained with the senior squad, including sessions ahead of the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Granada in April 2021.[17] In the following seasons, he continued to feature in first-team training and pre-season preparations, such as the 2022 tour to Australia, while remaining a promising squad member without further competitive appearances.[18] In June 2022, Fish signed a new long-term contract with Manchester United, extending his stay until June 2025 with an option for an additional year, underscoring the club's investment in his development as a defender.[19]Loan spells
Fish's first loan spell came during the 2021–22 season when he joined Stockport County in the National League, providing an opportunity to adapt to senior football in England's fifth tier.[20] He made two appearances for the club, totaling 84 minutes on the pitch, but did not score any goals during his brief stint.[21] This limited exposure marked his initial step into professional match environments outside Manchester United's youth setup, helping him acclimate to the physical demands of lower-league competition.[22] In the 2022–23 season, Fish moved to Scottish Premiership side Hibernian on a season-long loan starting in September, where he quickly established himself in the first team.[23] He featured in 21 matches across all competitions, scoring three goals, including notable contributions in league fixtures that helped secure a fifth-place finish and qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League play-offs.[21] Fish solidified his role as a starter in the second half of the campaign, forming a strong defensive partnership and demonstrating improved composure under pressure in high-stakes Scottish top-flight games.[24] His performances highlighted his potential as a ball-playing centre-back, with the loan praised for accelerating his tactical awareness and physical robustness.[25] Fish returned to Hibernian for the 2023–24 season on another loan deal, becoming a mainstay in the defense with 34 appearances and one goal scored.[21] Starting all 34 matches, he logged over 2,900 minutes, contributing to enhanced team organization at the back and registering one assist alongside his goal.[21] This extended run showcased marked improvements in his defensive positioning and aerial duels, with Fish often anchoring the central defense in competitive Premiership encounters.[26] These loan experiences collectively advanced Fish's professional growth by immersing him in demanding leagues, where he transitioned from peripheral roles to consistent first-team involvement, building resilience and match sharpness essential for higher-level football.[24]Cardiff City
On 23 August 2024, Will Fish completed a permanent transfer from Manchester United to Cardiff City, signing a four-year contract until June 2028 for an initial fee reported to be around £1 million.[11][1] The move marked the end of his time in Manchester United's academy system, where he had progressed through the youth ranks, and provided an opportunity for regular first-team football in the EFL Championship. Fish quickly integrated into the squad, drawing on his prior loan experiences at clubs like Hibernian to adapt to the demands of senior professional play. Primarily deployed as a centre-back, Fish established himself as a reliable presence in Cardiff's defense during the 2024–25 Championship season, making 21 league appearances without scoring as the team battled relegation.[27] Following Cardiff's demotion to EFL League One, he continued in the same role during the early stages of the 2025–26 campaign, accumulating 12 league outings and totaling 33 league games across both divisions with zero goals as of 1 November 2025.[21] His defensive contributions included strong aerial duels, winning approximately 71% of them, and solid positioning that aided in maintaining team structure, though specific metrics like tackles and interceptions varied by match.[28] Fish scored his first goal for Cardiff on 28 October 2025, netting the winner in a 2–1 victory over Wrexham in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a volley in the 71st minute.[29] This strike propelled the Bluebirds into the quarter-finals and highlighted his growing influence on the team, contributing to a more robust defensive unit that has helped stabilize performances in League One. By November 2025, his consistent starts underscored his importance to manager Erol Bulut's strategy, focusing on organized defending and transitions.International career
England youth teams
Will Fish represented England at various youth international levels, accumulating six caps and one goal between 2019 and 2021.[30] Fish earned his first call-up to the England under-17 team in October 2019 for a training camp in Spain, where he made his debut as a substitute in a 3–3 friendly draw against Germany at the Pinatar Arena on 10 October.[31] Two days later, on 12 October, he started and scored a late consolation goal in a 2–1 defeat to Germany in the same tournament, marking his first international goal on his second appearance.[32] Fish added a third cap for the under-17s in November 2019, starting in a 3–1 friendly loss to Denmark at Alfreton Town's Impact Arena on 15 November.[33] In 2021, Fish progressed to the England under-18 team, making his sole appearance in a 2–0 friendly victory over Wales at Cardiff's Leckwith Stadium on 29 March, where he came on as a substitute at centre-back in the second half.[34] Later that year, Fish received his first under-19 call-up in September 2021 and debuted in a 2–0 friendly win against Italy at St. George's Park on 2 September, starting in defence alongside Manchester City youth player Callum Doyle.[35] He earned a second cap for the under-19s on 9 October during a 3–1 friendly triumph over Mexico in Spain, again starting at centre-back in a backline featuring Arsenal's Charlie Patino in midfield.[36] These matches were part of preparatory friendlies ahead of UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers, though Fish did not feature in subsequent tournament squads.Career statistics and achievements
Club appearances
Will Fish has accumulated 110 appearances and 5 goals across his club career as of 16 November 2025.[37] His professional debut occurred with Manchester United in the 2020–21 Premier League season, where he made 1 substitute appearance without scoring.[21] During his 2021–22 loan to Stockport County in the National League, Fish recorded 2 appearances, also without goals.[37] Fish's most extensive senior experience came during two loan spells at Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership, spanning the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons. He made 55 league appearances and scored 4 goals, with additional outings in the Scottish Cup (3 appearances), League Cup (3 appearances), and UEFA Europa Conference League (5 appearances), contributing to a club total of 66 games and 4 goals.[37][14] Since his permanent transfer to Cardiff City in August 2024, Fish has featured in 41 matches across competitions, scoring 1 goal.[37][21]| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 1 | 0 |
| Stockport County | 2 | 0 |
| Hibernian | 66 | 4 |
| Cardiff City | 41 | 1 |
| Total | 110 | 5 |
Achievements
Fish has no senior honours but achieved youth success with Manchester United, including finishing as runners-up in the Premier League 2 Division Two in the 2019–20 season.[38]International caps
Will Fish earned a total of 6 caps and scored 1 goal at youth international level for England across the under-17, under-18, and under-19 teams.[30] His international appearances were limited to friendly matches and youth tournaments, reflecting his development as a centre-back in the England youth setup. The breakdown of his caps by age group is as follows:| Age Group | Year | Caps | Goals | Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U17 | 2019 | 3 | 1 | International friendlies (vs. Germany, Spain) and youth tournament (vs. Denmark)[32][39][40] |
| U18 | 2021 | 1 | 0 | International friendly (vs. Wales)[34] |
| U19 | 2021 | 2 | 0 | International friendlies (vs. Italy, Mexico)[35][36] |