Scottish Premiership side, Heart of Midlothian F.C have agreed on a loan deal for Manchester United’s young left-back, Demetri Mitchell for the remainder of the season. The youngster has made no senior appearances for the club and is not up for consideration under Jose Mourinho. With Hearts struggling to find consistency in the position, maybe he can finally get a run of games in top-flight football.
Mitchell’s youth career was associated with Fletcher Moss Rangers alongside his United teammates Marcus Rashford and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson. He made the switch to sign with the Red Devils in 2013 and was primarily selected as an attacking winger. He only made his debut in the last Premier League of the 2016/17 season against Crystal Palace having been converted to a left-back.
Mitchell is a pacey wingback with an attacking mentality. He loves surging forward from the left and provides a lot of width to the team. Obviously, his eagerness to develop himself will be better utilised on the pitch rather than on the benches. Just 12 appearances in the Premier League 2 is not the best opportunity to test yourself against elite talent and a club like Hearts can provide him with just that.
Craig Levein has faced his worries in the left-back position this season with neither Ashley Smith-Brown nor Rafal Grzelak able to establish themselves. The Jam Tarts are currently sitting in the fifth spot of the league table 21 points behind league leaders Celtic.The league title is most definitely no longer within their seasonal ambitions but the Scottish FA Cup is.
Levein was quoted, “He’s an exciting young talent at Manchester United. They think very highly of him and feel it’s time for him to go out and play on loan. He was a winger who’s been converted back to fullback and we are looking for some balance in the team.
“We’ve spoken regularly about trying to find a balance and I’m sure that Demetri will provide us with that. With bringing somebody in so young there are obviously difficulties in that as well because he has to hit the ground running and it’s the first time he’s played serious professional football.”
Mitchell’s talents are boundless and show great promise if nurtured properly. His 4 goal tally along with 1 assist for the U23 United squad this season, exemplifies his forward going mentality. Making the switch to a more defensive role is a bit tough but with the right discipline, it can be done. Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles has wonderfully demonstrated the technique and is now a regular starter under Arsene Wenger.
