Manchester United youngster Mateo Mejia is back at Carrington after signing his new contract extension.
The Colombia under-20 international was seen mixing with first team stars in training session over the weekend, pictured below competing for the ball with Christian Eriksen.
Manchester United signed Mateo Mejia from Real Zaragoza in 2019. He has struggled with injuries since his arrival, finally getting a run of games for the under-21s last season.
Mejia provided more assists than any other under-21 player and scored his first goals at this level. He was rewarded with a new one-year contract extension earlier this month, the club confirmed.
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Joe Hugill leads the way
Mateo Mejia will have been encouraged to see fellow youngster Joe Hugill get a chance for Manchester United in the first match of pre-season and get on the scoresheet in last week’s win over Leeds.
Hugill should get more minutes this week against Lyon, with Manchester United desperately short of forward options.
Mejia, 20, is still a long shot to make the first team this season, but the longer the club go without signing a striker, the greater the window of opportunity for him becomes.
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2023/24 another crucial season
Mejia’s season of progress last year bought him extra time at Old Trafford, where he looks to make the most of the qualities which saw United bring him to the club four years ago.
This season is a pivotal one, where he either makes the breakthrough or secures a long-term deal, or is the prelude to an exit.
A loan move is probable, whether it happens this summer or in January, Mejia needs to test himself and make up for lost time.
The next fortnight may give him an unlikely chance to impress the coaching staff at United, and he will be working over the coming days to try and secure a spot on the club’s overseas tour.