The Manchester United loanee might not have directly responsible for giving away the 94th minute equaliser which cost his side two valuable points on Saturday afternoon, but that did not do much to ease the feeling of ‘failure’.
As Erik ten Hag’s ramshackle Red Devils slipped behind Newcastle and into seventh following that 2-2 draw at Bournemouth – even Europa League qualification uncertain these days – the defender loaned out by Manchester United tumbled out of the top half and into the gloomy abyss of the bottom-six.
Will Fish, to quote Edinburgh Live, ‘stood up well’ against the muscle-bound presence of 6ft 3ins centre-forward Theo Bair during Hibernian’s trip to Motherwell.
The outlet handed the youngster a rating of just 5/10, adding that Fish ‘is the lead centre-half in a defence that keeps shipping awful goals’.
How much responsibility Fish should take for Hibs’ dreadful defensive record is up for debate. Most supporters would agree that the Manchester-born 21-year-old – who won the penalty which put Nick Montgomery’s side ahead at Firhill – has been one of the few plus points in a highly-disappointing campaign.
But with Hibs now consigned to a bottom-half finish by Shane Blaney’s stoppage-time leveller – the Scottish Premiership will split into two groups of six for the season’s final stretch – Fish cannot help but feel the campaign could not now be described as a success by anyone’s measurements.
Manchester United man set for bottom-half finish
“It’s a sickener. It’s going to take a while to digest,” Fish sighs, speaking to the Daily Record.
“We’ve thrown away too many good opportunities this season. This was just another prime example of that. And that’s on us. We have to take responsibility for that.
“It probably sums up our season. We’ve had so many times when we’ve been in front in games, only to concede in the last minute, the last 10 minutes, for whatever reason.”
Fish’s parent club know the feeling all too well. Manchester United, in the space of just eight days, gave up no fewer than seven points, conceding a 99th minute equaliser at Brentford, losing at Chelsea in stoppage time and then ensuring that those stunning goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo will not be remembered quite as fondly as they really should be at home to Liverpool.
“(Our poor season) is on the players,” Fish adds. “And it hurts. It’s just naive. And ultimately it has cost us a place in the top six.
“It will take a few days to digest. Everyone needs to go away, and we need to have a look at ourselves, at what’s gone wrong this season. My focus this season was to come back here and do the best for the club. And I feel like I’ve failed.
“The team are in the bottom six and I’ve played in a lot of the games, so I need to have a look at myself. And that hurts, as well. Everyone in that changing room will learn from it.”
Hibernian loanee now faces uncertain future
On the upside, Fish appears to have a very mature head on very young shoulders, the former England under-19 international taking responsibility and clearly not content just with playing week-in, week-out in Scotland. Fish’s mentality certainly stands him in good stead ahead of what could be a permanent departure from Man United in the summer.
Man United may struggle to find buyers for Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek and Hannibal Mejbri. Fish, albeit a lot less expensive than the aformentioed trio, should not be short of offers however with Hibs keen to keep the talented centre-half.
“For Will, I don’t think he really needs a pitch from us. He really enjoys playing for Hibs. He really loves the club, and I think he enjoys the way we play,” Montgomery tells the Edinburgh Evening News.
“Ultimately, it’s going to be down to what options he has. And there are probably going to be other clubs looking at his form this season, his games here. We are a big club. So, for Will, it’s going to be what is going to be the best option for him. We’re definitely going to be one of those options. But I’m sure there will be many others. And, whatever happens, we’ll support Will in what that looks like.”
“Will has really enjoyed his time here. I think he’s developed a lot and improved a lot. Right now he’s a player contracted to Man United. But I don’t think you can question Will’s commitment to Hibs. I think he’s given every piece of himself to the club since he arrived, certainly since I’ve been at the club, anyway.”
“That’s one where we get through to the end of the season, and then there will be a conversation between Will, his agent and Man United. No doubt, if there was an opportunity to explore, that’s something we’ve already spoken to Will about. But right now that’s something that we won’t discuss until the season is finished. Then we’ll look at the situation as a whole.”