Pranav Nair
Transfer News: Derby Country keen to take Manchester United starlet Teden Mengo on loan
According to The Athletic (Subscription Required), Derby County remains interested in taking Manchester United youngster Teden Mengi on loan this summer.
The Rams escaped relegation to the third tier by the skin of their teeth on the final day of last season. They now go into the new campaign with a massive rebuild on their hands. This is because they currently have just 14 first-team players under contract for next season.
Of the 14, not a single centre-back is contracted beyond the end of the month, when the deals of Curtis Davies and Andre Wisdom set to expire. This could very well open the way for Derby to make a move for Mengi on loan.
The youngster joined the Rams on loan in January before returning prematurely in April after sustaining a season-ending surgery. In the end, he made just nine first-team appearances for the Championship side. However, he appears to have left a positive impression at Pride Park.
United for their part are not averse to parting ways with the youngster. According to the report, they were just waiting to see if Derby retained their Championship status on the final day of last season. With that secured, Mengi looks to be set for a second innings with the Championship outfit.
Managed by United legend Wayne Rooney, Derby could provide Mengi with the right atmosphere to develop and evolve. Rooney is keen to keep the player on for another season and has confirmed that Derby do have the option to do just that. (h/t The Metro)
Mengi’s contract at United runs until 2024. One of the club’s top young players, he is at the age where he should be starting to play more regularly. With that unlikely at Old Trafford, a move away on loan could help him achieve just that.
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Despite the Red Devils’ problems at the back, Mengi is not the solution. He still has much to do before he can establish himself at the top level. Another loan spell, this time to a top-flight side, will aid him greatly in his development.
