Tenden Mengi looks to be the next big thing to come out of Manchester United’s youth academy. His future looks to include some opportunities in the Manchester United first team. Ole has been adamant about buying a new center-back in the transfer market, but if no one news comes in then Mengi might get rotation minutes in the backline.
The 18 year old, Manchester-born defender is strong, pacey, and a natural leader. As seen in the picture below, Mengi has received a new squad number (43) in anticipation of his coming debut games.
Physicals
Earlier in the year, Mengi reportedly got 4th in a sprint contest with the first team. He stands at only 6’0″, but what he lacks in height he makes up for in athletic ability. A knock on him is that he is right-footed. Ole has made it known that he prefers to have more left-footed players in his backline. A strong and athletic center-back is right up Ole’s alley, but the transition to first-team football could prove difficult.
Mentality
Mengi has looked like a true leader in U23 games for United. He captained the U18 team to an appearance in the U18 FA Cup Semi-Finals. In youth games, he has been confident and cool on the ball. Mengi appears to be really promising, and we hope to see his mental strength continue to grow if joins the first team.
Opportunities
Axel Tuanzebe has been on the injury reserve for a lot of his United career. Phil Jones is all out of sorts and veteran players like Marcus Rojo and Chris Smalling may leave the club permanently in the near future. This is an excellent time for Mengi to break into the first team the same way Brandon Williams did last season.
Glory Glory Man United.
Written by CJ Szaz
FM manager staple