Anthony Elanga sends motivational message to youngster Teden Mengi

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Anthony Elanga has sent Manchester United centre-back Teden Mengi a motivational message after the youngster completed his first 90 minutes in eight months.

The 20-year-old captained Manchester United’s Under-21s side who drew 1-1 against Tottenham Hotspur’s Under-21s on Saturday.

It was Mengi’s third appearance for the under-21 side having marked his return from injury.

The Manchester United Academy graduate came on as a substitute in the under-21s penalty shootout win against Fleetwood Town in the EFL Trophy earlier this month, before playing an hour in the 3-2 Premier League 2 win versus Wolves last Saturday.

Anthony Elanga sends motivational message to youngster Teden Mengi

The England Under-20 international’s last 90 minutes prior to Saturday came during his loan spell at Championship side Birmingham City back in February.

After moving to St Andrew’s on loan for the remainder of the 2021-22 campaign in January, Mengi started nine games in a row for the Blues before injuries shutdown his season.

Mengi, who made his senior debut for Manchester United against Young Boys in the Champions League last December, is focused on building up his match fitness and getting back to his enjoying football after enduring a frustrating period on the sidelines.

United’s number 43 posted on Instagram after completing his first 90 minutes in eight months.

Elanga, who played alongside Mengi 49 times across United’s academy sides, has called on his teammate to kick on and put his injury troubles in the past.

United’s number 36 commented on the post: “There’s no more excuses big guy. Let’s go!”

If Victor Lindelof fails to shrug off the illness that ruled him out of yesterday’s Premier League win against the Hammers, then Mengi could form part of United’s travelling squad for the all-important Europa League clash at Real Sociedad to provide centre-back cover.

With United’s number two and Raphael Varane unavailable, Erik ten Hag had no centre-back options on the bench against the Irons.

Mengi could well have timed his return to action perfectly and with Elanga not shy of giving his pal a pep talk, an opportunity could beckon for United’s talented young defender to catch Ten Hag’s eye.