Varun Pai
Transfer News: Manchester United ace Teden Mengi close to sealing loan move to Birmingham City
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United starlet, Teden Mengi is set to complete a loan move to Birmingham City soon.
The 19-year-old is a Carrington academy product and has been on the fringes of first-team action this season. He impressed on loan at Derby County in the second half of last season under Man United legend Wayne Rooney. However, his move was cut short due to injury.
But he recovered by the start of the current campaign and featured in our pre-season games. The centre-back was linked with a move back to Derby in the summer but it failed to materialize. He has not been able to establish himself in the Man United first-team, given the talent on hand. But he did come on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw against BSC Young Boys last month.
However, he shall now pack his bags to jump ship to Birmingham City. Lee Bowyer and co are only 8 points away from the relegation zone and are set to lose Dion Sanderson, who has been recalled by Wolves. Mengi is expected to swiftly replace his fellow countryman following an official announcement of the loan deal.
Crucial game-time for Teden Mengi
A lot of our pre-season games were characterized by stars returning from international duty and injuries. Several youngsters got the chance to make a name for themselves, but few impressed as much as Mengi. He played in three out of the four pre-season fixtures and acted as a robust defender.
The step-up to the first team could be a little too soon, especially when we are in the midst of securing a Top 4 spot. But some game-time at an established Championship side could work out well for Man United and the player.
The Red Devils have been keen on their loanees receiving consistent minutes. Ethan Laird is set to be recalled from his loan move at Swansea to be sent to Bournemouth. Axel Tuanzebe, who has struggled for game-time at Aston Villa in the past 2 months, is set to join Napoli soon.
Thus, it is an encouraging initiative taken up by the Manchester-based club. It also indicates the long-term plan for each of them and the potential roles they could play in the coming years. Mengi is the youngest of the aforementioned trio, but some good displays in the Championship could help him make a case to play in the Man United senior team next season.
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And with Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof performing the way they are, it is a real possibility that the loanee could have more than a chance of garnering a place in the matchday squads next summer.
Hopefully, we hear only good things about Mengi’s time in Birmingham.
