20-year-old forward D’Mani Mellor has made his return from injury for Manchester United’s Under 23s.
Mellor last played for United in February 2020, in a friendly against Club Brugge.
He has been out since then after suffering an ACL tear in summer 2020, but came on as a half-time substitute against Sheffield Wednesday yesterday.
United won the match 4-2, in their final pre-season friendly of before the Premier League 2 campaign kicks off on Monday.
It took Mellor 15 minutes to make an impression on his return from injury, getting United back in the game by making it 2-2.
Zidane Iqbal, Shola Shoretire and Hannibal were United’s scorers. The Tunisia international’s goal was particularly eye-catching.
A host of United players were quick to congratulate Mellor after his return.
In terms of first team stars, Scott McTominay, Mason Greenwood and Jesse Lingard all left messages.
Mellor will be looking to make up for lost time in the under-23s this season.
It’s not easy to catch up after missing so much football, but he’s taken the first step towards doing that and the goal will do his confidence the world of good.
It was also an impressive result against a League One side who have already started their season, which bodes well for Neil Wood’s side.
D’Mani Mellor: What you need to know
- Mellor plays as a striker and was born in Manchester
He signed his professional contract in September 2018
- Hat-trick hero
Mellor’s best performance in the academy came as he bagged a hat-trick in the final game of the under-18 season against Everton in 2018/19.
- Strong under-23 record
Mellor has a tally of eight goals in 13 under-23 games this past season.
- First team breakthrough
Mellor made his debut away at Astana in the Europa League. He played the final 25 minutes of the match, replacing Tahith Chong
- Missed 2020/21 season
He suffered an ACL injury in summer 2020, ruling him out for the entire season.
- Loan at Salford
Mellor spent the first half of 2021/22 on loan at Salford, but only played twice before the deal was terminated.
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