Pranav Nair
Manchester United youngster Teden Mengi given squad number
According to MEN, Manchester United youngster Teden Mengi has been given a new squad number at the club.
Mengi will now sport the number 43 jersey. He was seen sporting the number upon his tracksuit while in training. United take on LASK in the second leg of their Europa League fixture this Thursday.
Having earlier sported the number 71, the change to 43 is a sort of promotion for the impressive youngster. He was a consistent performer for the United Under-23 side and the Under-18 side. He made it to the FA Youth Cup semifinals with the latter.
He has of late stepped up training with Ole Gunnar Solskjajer’s first-team. According to the report, he is held in high regard by the coaching staff and is tipped to follow in the footsteps of Brandon Williams.
The young right-back has enjoyed a promising breakout season at the top level. There is no reason why Mengi cannot do the same next season.
A number of defenders could leave the club this season. Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo are out on loan while Phil Jones’ time at Old Trafford could be coming to an end.
Given Eric Bailly’s injury history, it remains to be seen what role Mengi plays in next season’s squad, especially if United fail to sign a defender.
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The 18-year-old could join a list of stars who have graduated from the academy to the first-team. The likes of Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams all did the same. As long as he keeps improving, Mengi could soon find himself in illustrious company.
United take a 5-0 lead into the second-leg against LASK. It remains to be seen in Solskjaer will make use of the opportunity to give new players a chance.
If he gets selected, it will be his debut for the United first-team. Hopefully, one of many.
