Former Manchester United whizkid Teden Mengi is getting a big chance in the Premier League with Luton after leaving Old Trafford behind.
Cast your mind back to 2020 and Teden Mengi was making his Manchester United first team debut in the Europa League.
Mengi looked like a surefire bet to progress as a regular, but youth development is not always straightforward.
He went on a number of loan spells which were all interrupted by injuries, and last season he was injured in a winter friendly game for United in Spain.
Erik ten Hag and Manchester United decided it was ‘time up’ for Mengi in the summer, and he swapped under-21 football for a Premier League shot with Luton Town.
Teden Mengi shines
Teden Mengi has become a regular for Premier League new boys Luton and is expected to feature for the Hatters at Old Trafford when they travel to Manchester United next Saturday.
This past weekend he had a starring role as Luton held Liverpool to a draw at Kenilworth Road and almost won the game.
Another former United whizkid Tahith Chong scored the goal which put Luton ahead and helped them earn a creditable 1-1 draw.
But for much of the game Luton were under pressure, and it was the performance of former United talent Teden Mengi which helped hold them at bay.
Mengi made 10 clearances, three interceptions, and one block, as his side managed to frustrate Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
The 21-year-old is getting great experience playing Premier League football, and is coping well considering he missed the entire 2022/23 season due to injury.
From among all the many players Manchester United allowed to leave in the summer, Mengi is one which may yet cause the club to regret letting him go.
Manchester United fans impressed
Manchester United fans were pleased to see Mengi playing well, with many wondering if the club made an error selling him permanently.
One supporter wrote: “Teden Mengi has been brilliant so far. So happy to see him playing Premier League football.”
Another added: “Teden Mengi was outstanding today. Shame Utd didn’t just loan him.”
A further comment wistfully said: “Teden Mengi, what could have been.”
More comments read: “Great to see Teden finally injury free!” and “Teden Mengi. Why did we let him go?”
Luton fans agree
The positive sentiments were shared by Luton Town supporters, who also took to social media to praise the young centre-back.
One wrote: “Kaminski was easily MOTM for his saves, but again @TedenMengi was outstanding. An absolute warrior at the back. So strong and dominant.”
Another said: “Thought Teden Mengi had a very good game today. Defensively excellent,” with a third adding: “I tell you now Mengi is a player.”
Mengi will be fired up for his return to Manchester United next week with Luton, and keen to prove a point. With United having to rely on a 35-year-old Jonny Evans right now, some at Old Trafford may soon be scanning the paperwork checking for a buy-back clause.
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