Some Derby County supporters have taken to Twitter to comment on Manchester United loanee Teden Mengi’s performance in the 0-0 draw at Barnsley.
Mengi joined Derby from United on loan on February 1 for the rest of the season.
The youngster had been impressing for United’s U23s, but he arrived having barely featured at senior level and quickly made his debut in the 2-1 win at Wycombe Wanderers.
Mengi looked uncomfortable and raw at right-back that night, leading to doubts.
But his latest performance at centre-back against Barnsley was hugely reassuring, prompting plenty of Derby supporters to single him out for praise after the game.
If there was one highlight from Barnsley v Derby last night, thought it was the battle between Dike and Mengi.
A good, honest one between two young players who have pretty bright futures by looks. #barnsleyfc #dcfc
— leon wobschall (@LeonWobYP) March 11, 2021
As expected brutal game to watch. Tactically WR got it spot on. Clearly trying anything other than that against them is unsuccessful. We played with 3 strikers to occupy their 3 CBs which was effective. Mengi excellent.Jozwiak & Roos good. We had best chances & could’ve nicked it
— DCFC Football (@derbycountyf) March 10, 2021
Pleased to see Teden Mengi look more assured tonight against Barnsley. Certainly looks more comfortable at centre-halve. 👏🏻 #dcfc #dcfcfans
— Rich Holmes (@RichNHolmes) March 10, 2021
Jozwiak has to stay on his feet more though. Thought Mengi was much improved
— stace (@stace_dcfc) March 10, 2021
point better than nothing could have won the game and unlucky not to buts theres positives there for sure mengi best performance by far had a good game gregory caked it today roos good aswell on to saturday 🐏🐏#dcfc #dcfcfans
— Bill (@Bashhh376) March 10, 2021
Can’t complain about that. Thought we were the better team playing a route one team at their own game. Pretty happy. Mengi’s best game for us. #dcfc #dcfcfans
— mrchipsDCFC #Rams 🐑 (@_mr_chips_) March 10, 2021
We were the better side second half, probably did enough to win the game. Barnsley are a very direct side, our defence plus roos dealt with everything well! Mengi was solid, shinnie outstanding yet again! Joz looked good today, a point gained against the in form side #dcfc
— Vikramjit Singh Dosanjh (@viksinghdosanjh) March 10, 2021
Mengi partnered George Edmundson and Matt Clarke in a three-man defence, with Craig Forsyth and Andre Wisdom taking up wingback roles in a change of system from Wayne Rooney.
The game itself wasn’t a pretty watch for the neutral. The pitch was bogged, and both teams went extremely direct as they looked to avoid a press and pick up second balls.
Mengi was challenged throughout by Barnsley’s in-form striker Daryl Dike, but it was the United youngster who came out on top as Derby kept a well-deserved clean sheet.
Mengi took 35 touches and posted an impressive four tackles and five clearances.
Derby manager Rooney called Mengi excellent after the game and explained to reporters how he trusts the United loanee to cope with physical Championship strikers.
Also see: ‘Can do better’: Rooney explains reason why popular Derby ace has fallen out of favour
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