Erik ten Hag made many mistakes as Manchester United manager so far, but one has only recently come to light.
It was nothing short of a footballing miracle that Luton Town came up to the Premier League last season. They were the severe underdogs heading into the play-offs but managed to conquer all to reach the promised land of the English top flight.
Subsequently, they then needed players to get them up to scratch. In defence, they decided to seek out Teden Mengi from Manchester United.
He has proven a worthy signing, and ultimately a mistake for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag.
Teden Mengi showing Manchester United what they’re missing out on…
Mengi has become an integral part of the Luton Town defence under Rob Edwards.
He’s played 14 matches in the Premier League this season, starting 12 and accumulating 1131 minutes on the pitch in the process. He’s also bagged himself a goal.
Mengi has been hailed as ‘immense’ and ‘dominant’ by Luton boss Edwards having made a big impact at Kenilworth Road.
His dominant performances have now earned him interest from other Premier League clubs, with Crystal Palace and Fulham rumoured.
This was reported by Fabrizio Romano, who also called him one of the Premier League’s ‘most promising youngsters’
This will likely come to fruition at the end of the season, but this is massively frustrating for United.
Manchester United’s Teden Mengi mistake
Once again, Manchester United have sold a talent too early… supposedly for pennies.
It’s unclear just how much United received for Mengi, but it must have been a small fee for the Hatters, who are now set to reap the rewards.
It isn’t just a mistake from a financial perspective either, United are seriously depleted in the centre-half department this season due to injuries.
Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane have been the only fit first-team squad candidates over the past month. Mengi would have provided much-needed depth.
Nevertheless, what is done is done. All we have to do now is make sure it doesn’t happen again.
The same cannot happen with Willy Kambwala
In certain absences, Ten Hag has had to call on youth – much like the case of Willy Kambwala.
He came into the squad during the loss against West Ham – but it wasn’t his fault. The 19-year-old looked more than comfortable in the heart of the defence among the big boys.
If we’ve learned anything from, not just Mengi, but Anthony Elanga in recent years, is to stop selling young players before they’ve had a chance to prove themselves.
Not only is it costing us financially, but it’s going against the DNA of Manchester United. Give the youth a chance.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/Nwuvo4e