Manchester United are upset over the lack of game time provided to their youngster Timothy Fosu-Mensah who is currently serving a season-long loan spell at Crystal Palace. The Dutch 19-year-old is a versatile player who can play both in defence as well as the midfield position.
Fosu-Mensah joined Crystal Palace under the manager Frank De Boer who needed depth in the right back position behind Joel Ward. But after the sacking of De Boer, new manager Roy Hodgson, it had been hard for the Dutchman to find much game time.
Fosu-Mensah has appeared in 11 games for Crystal Palace.
He last appeared for Crystal Palace back on November 5, and after a month of sitting on the bench it seems highly improbable he will suit well to Roy Hodgson’s style of play which requires highly experienced defenders.
His performance for the Eagles have also been impressive. Crystal Palace has faced only one defeat to West Ham in the 8 starts he has had for the club.
Due to the lack of breathing space in the Manchester United’s locker room, the club wanted to send the youngster out on loan to see him develop an understanding of the English game. They brought him from Ajax in 2014 and since could only place him in 11 matches as a substitute. He made his debut under Louis Van Gaal in February 2016.
We all saw a glimpse of his brilliance in the limited minutes he received in a Manchester United shirt in the last term. He possesses all the prospects a top quality defender – including composure, physical strength, and pace.
Reportedly, Manchester United are ready to recall the youngster in January and look for other options in order to protect their investment.
The Red Devils had also included a clause in Fosu-Mensah’s contract which allowed them to end the loan early.
With the bottom half of the table very tightly stacked between 17 and 9 points lot of Premier League clubs will be looking for options to strengthen their back line. Clubs like Huddersfield, West Ham and Everton have conceded the highest number of goals this season. They definitely need more strength and effort on the defensive side of the game. Fosu-Mensah’s adaptability will work well to help seal victories towards the second half the season.
A number of other youngsters, including the likes of Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Sam Johnstone, and Andreas Pereira have also been sent out on loan following Manchester United’s inability to let them have a regular spot in their lineup.
