There were huge hopes for Mateo Mejia when Manchester United swooped to sign him from Real Zaragoza in 2019.
Unfortunately his United career is yet to really get off the ground due to injury.
He was stretchered off on his debut after what the club website reported at the time to be a ‘serious injury’.
After recovering to play a part in this season’s under-18s kick-off, Mejia’s campaign lasted just three games.
After scoring in a 5-1 win over Burnley, Mejia suffered an injury against City and has been out ever since.
Now after suffering a setback in his recovery from his ankle issue, Mejia has had to undergo an operation.
He put out a message on his Instagram feed to thank his teammates for their messages of support.
Arnau Puigmal, Connor Stanley, Johan Guadagno and Alvaro Fernandez were among the players to wish him good luck in his recovery.
Mejia scored 60 goals for Real Zaragoza’s youth team in one season before United snapped him up, El Periodico de Aragon reported.
Now his progress has been delayed. Mejia has been overtaken by rising stars Charlie McNeill and Joe Hugill, who have both now made appearances for the under-23s.
Mejia is under contract at United until June 2022, so next season will be a big one for him to try and get back on track.
He could draw inspiration from Tahith Chong and Martin Svidersky who have both overcome serious injuries at academy level and kicked on since.
- £42m star has extra incentive to sign for Manchester United after perfect season
- Fabrizio Romano says Manchester United player exit is ‘close’
- Manchester United linked to ‘different level’ Brian Gutierrez
- Fabrizio Romano comments on Manchester United moving for Diogo Costa and Bart Verbruggen
- Marcus Rashford contract renewal at Manchester United has to now be getting closer
- Manchester United linked to five-times league winner with 50 international caps
- Casemiro sends message to Manchester United fans
- Italian press reaction to Rasmus Hojlund performance shows why Manchester United are interested
- Manchester United star showed at Wembley why £55m star is priority for Erik ten Hag
- Romano says Manchester United loanee has undergone medical ahead of summer switch elsewhere
- Manchester United’s £20m target warned Old Trafford move will come ‘too early’