New Derby County loan signing Teden Mengi says Manchester United’s coaches played a part in his move to Pride Park alongside manager Wayne Rooney, MEN report.
The 18-year-old defender moved to Derby on deadline day until the end of the season.
Mengi will provide defensive cover for Andre Wisdom and Matt Clarke, while fellow loan signing George Edmundson from Rangers will also offer competition.
The England youth international is highly rated and eager to get going at Derby.
Speaking to reporters, Mengi explained how he got approval from United’s coaches before receiving a phone call from Rams boss Rooney who outlined his plans at Pride Park.
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“I did have the conversations with the coaches and they thought this would be brilliant for me and brilliant for my development as I am still young in the game, but I will try to thrive for more. As soon as I found out Derby were interested, Wayne was on the phone. He was telling me what the club is about and what he wants from me. He has been brilliant with me so far. When I first heard Derby County were interested, it was a no-brainer for me to be in the Championship against good opponents and to be playing men’s football.”
Mengi made his United debut last season in the Europa League.
To continue his progress at senior level, a loan to the Championship was always likely to be the next step and Derby have a good record in developing young talent.
Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori and Harry Wilson all starred for Derby in 2018/19 before playing Premier League football a year later, while the Rams academy is flourishing.
Mengi can be confident of getting game-time at Derby between now and the summer.
Matt Clarke and Andre Wisdom have formed a solid paring, but games come thick and fast while Rooney hasn’t been afraid to switch to a back three on occasions.
Also see: Rooney says Derby player is one of the best talents in the country amid West Ham interest
Also see: ‘Very talented, like Upamecano’: Some fans react as Derby agree loan deal for United youngster