Luton Town manager Rob Edwards insists Teden Mengi is fit to face his former club with the defender’s performances ‘really astounding’ since leaving Manchester United last summer.
With doubts hanging over the long-term futures of Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and even Harry Maguire – despite a return to form for the England international – there is a feeling among some sections of the support that Manchester United really could have done with hanging onto Teden Mengi.
Or, at the very least, loaning him to Luton, rather than cashing in for a fee that marks the talented centre-half out as one of the Premier League’s best pound-for-pound signings of 2023/24.
With Man United traveling to Kenilworth Road on Sunday, Mengi will be afforded the opportunity to show the Red Devils just how much he has progressed since departing last August.
Manchester United face Luton Town on Sunday
Mengi dropped out of the starting XI for last week’s 3-1 defeat by Sheffield United – only Luton’s second loss in seven games – but is ready to return for the visit of Erik ten Hag’s resurgent outfit.
“He has been brilliant this year,” Edwards tells BBC Sport, Mengi ‘fully fit’ after recovering from an ankle issue. “For a young player to come in, move away from his boyhood club and make that brave decision, and then perform the way he has at the highest level…
“It’s really astounding.”
Mengi should have his hands full when Man United make their first ever Premier League trip to Luton, however, particularly with Rasmus Hojlund looking to become the youngest player in the competition’s history to score in six successive games.
Mengi hoping to show United what they’re missing
Like Hojlund, Mengi is silencing his doubters during a maiden top-flight campaign in English football. He’s already featured 16 times, becoming symbolic of Luton’s fighting spirit and physicality.
“It’s difficult,” Rio Ferdinand told Vibe with Five, explaining that Mengi’s Old Trafford departure was nothing to do with his ability and everything to do with his fitness record.
“We’ve always spoken highly of him. Potential-wise, ability-wise it was never in question at Manchester United, it was just the ability to stay fit. He couldn’t.”
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