Wayne Rooney handed a first start to Manchester United youngster Teden Mengi last night.
Mengi had made his debut days earlier for Derby as a late substitute, although played so few minutes that he did not touch the ball.
Last night was very different, with Mengi picked as a starter as Derby took on Wycombe Wanderers in a bottom-half Championship clash.
There was one unusual aspect of Mengi’s selection straight away. He lined up at right-back.
This could have been a way for Derby to ease Mengi into Championship football, with Wycombe starting uncompromising target man Uche Ikpeazu.
Mengi’s night went fairly well. He quite evidently isn’t a right-back, but all things considered, it was a success, with Derby winning 2-1.
Mengi makes a step forward
Any experience for an 18-year-old defender to be picking up at Championship level is a bonus and Mengi got a good taste of it last night. It’s invaluable compared to under-23 football.
Mengi played 80 minutes and acquitted himself well, at a new level, in an unfamiliar position.
Notably he won four aerial duels, more than any Derby County player. Rooney was impressed.
Speaking about Mengi and left-back Craig Forsyth, Rooney told his press conference: “We knew they’d put balls into our box, so we went with the more physical options to try and not concede from set-plays and be brave on the ball. I thought Teden and Fozzy did well for us.”
Mengi also won one tackle and made two interceptions, although he was booked, giving away one foul.
On the ball he was more than competent, touching the ball 50 times compared to left-back Forsyth with 36.
Just getting started
It’s not uncommon for centre-backs to be tested out at full-back. This was where Axel Tuanzebe made his United debut against Arsenal several years ago, going up against Alexis Sanchez.
For Mengi it is all about getting out there and getting experience. Rooney has such a competitive spirit that he would not pick him if he thought it was the wrong option in terms of trying to win the game.
There is competition for places at Derby at centre-back. The Rams have also taken George Edmundson on loan from Rangers who plays in the same position and he started on the bench last night.
Mengi will get chances, and get minutes, but it might be that for a few more games he ends up at right-back again until an opportunity opens up before he features in his favoured position in the centre.
- How Crysencio Summerville compares with Matheus Cunha, Marcus Rashford and Patrick Dorgu
- Real Madrid’s openness to major midfield departure opens door for Man Utd’s marquee transfer target
- Man Utd player ratings after first round of the World Cup, Amad stars as 3/10 star struggles
- Man Utd told they can still sign Aurelien Tchouameni, but at the cost of Mateus Fernandes
- Who is Vincent Joseph? 16-year-old striker set to ditch Liverpool for Man Utd
- Elliot Anderson responds to Marcus Rashford message as Man Utd star celebrates World Cup goal
- Harry Maguire shares how Man Utd-linked Elliot Anderson shocked him during England training
- Scott McTominay holds contract talks in the US while ex-Man Utd star competes in 2026 World Cup
- Harry Maguire says Man Utd have a youngster who is going to ‘shine’ at the World Cup
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
