Some Derby County supporters have taken to Twitter to praise Manchester United youngster Teden Mengi following his performance against league leaders Norwich City.
Mengi joined Derby on loan from United late in the January transfer window.
The talented defender initially started out as a right-back, but he has since played more centrally and stepped in for the injured Matt Clarke alongside Andre Wisdom.
Norwich beat the Rams 1-0 with Kieran Dowell scoring a stunning free-kick.
But Derby put up a real fight against the Championship leaders, and Mengi in particular was a standout for Wayne Rooney’s side as he kept Teemu Pukki quiet.
Many had wrote him off so early into his Derby career. I’d make sure he’s back with us next season, he’s been colossal today. Mengi appreciation tweet #dcfc pic.twitter.com/nwbrIdxXBU
— DCFCHub (@DcfcHub) April 10, 2021
Mengi and McDonald have done really well today, against some really good players. Shame really, if not for a mistake punished, I think this finishes 0-0. #dcfc
— Samuel 💙🦎🐏 (@DCFCMiguel13) April 10, 2021
Very impressive especially at a young age Mengi. We need more technical players, far to many make the wrong decisions in final 3rd…. Jozwiak needs more quality with him
— Craig (@DawseDCFC) April 10, 2021
Mengi fantastic today – see you next season… 👀 #dcfc #dcfcfans
— Ben Lavender (@lavenderben) April 10, 2021
Can’t really be disappointed with that not the worst performance and we created plenty of opportunities
Mengi, Wisdom and McDonald all looked solid at the back plenty of positives to take with us to Blackburn #dcfc #dcfcfans
— Jake (@robertswjake) April 10, 2021
Bit like Tomori, he struggled to begin with but by the end of the season he was a top class player. A full season of Mengi will do him and us good 👊🏻
— Daley 💙 (@DaleyTinsley) April 10, 2021
That’s absolutely brilliant defending by Mengi 👏👏👏
— Jimmy Gregory 🏴 (@JimmyDCFC) April 10, 2021
Mengi, 18, posted two interceptions, two clearances and three aerial winners. In possession he was reliable and calm, recording an 83% pass accuracy rate over the 90 minutes.
Rooney has already spoken of his interest in having Mengi back next season.
It appears Derby have an agreement with United to take the player on another loan deal, and now Mengi must decide whether he wants to continue to develop at Pride Park.
Derby will certainly have to focus on their defence this coming summer.
Mengi, Clarke and George Edmundson are all on loan, while Andre Wisdom’s contract at Pride Park expires this summer and there has been little noise regarding a new deal.
The defeat to Norwich leaves Derby seven points above the drop zone. There is still work to be done for the Rams to secure their Championship status for next season.
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