United Youngster Talks Up Mourinho

United Youngster Talks Up Mourinho

If you watched United at all last season, you might remember a certain youngster by the name of Timothy Fosu-Mensah who was drafted into the first team by Van Gaal. The 18-year-old appeared 10 times for the Reds and impressed when he was called upon. The versatile Dutchman, who can play in midfield and defence, was preferred at right back by Van Gaal, but will represent Holland’s U21 side as a holding midfielder.

Fosu-Mensah has an immense amount of potential and is very highly rated by all involved with United. However, since the arrival of Jose Mourinho, question marks over the youth’s future have come into the picture. Whether or not he would go out on loan seemed to be the main issue, which contradicted earlier reports that he was set to leave the club permanently. Other issues surrounded his best position for the club – as Mourinho is a not necessarily a big lover of a ‘Jack of all trades’ type player.

The 18-year-old was not named on the United team-sheet for any of their four August fixtures but was included in Mourinho’s 26-man senior squad. He is expected to take part more when the League Cup and Europa League fixtures arrive, but until then it seems the youngster may well be deemed surplus to requirements right now by the boss.


However, the Dutchman says he has little to complain about at United under his new manager, and says Mourinho has ‘faith’ in his abilities.

“It’s going well,” said Fosu-Mensah to Fox Sports Netherlands.

“I am fit and do not have much to complain about.”

“I have not played much, but train with the first-team and do everything with the first-team. I want to fight myself into the base.”

“I talk to Jose Mourinho about my development, which is going well. Mourinho has faith in me, so he keeps me in the selection.”

Fosu-Mensah also spoke about the impact that training with Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made on his development. The Swede joined United this summer on a free transfer, and has already made huge movements on and off the field.

“It is a dream come true for boys, yes,”

“Training with Zlatan is very special and you learn a lot. After [training] you see how he takes free-kicks and how he finishes, then you see what a top player he is.”

“If you face him, you can also learn a lot from him. You are extra sharp as you train against him and so you don’t look ridiculous.”

[Quotes sourced via Manchester Evening News]