Academy product Timothy Fosu-Mensah has penned a new deal at Manchester United that will keep him at the club until 2020.
The 18 year-old defender has put pen to paper on a new contract that is believed to be worth around £15,000 per week, according to The Daily Mail.
The defender was reportedly offered the new contract after impressing United staff in training.
The Dutchman, who joined the club in 2014, had this to say about his new deal :
“I am delighted to have signed a new contract here at Manchester United,” Fosu-Mensah told the club’s website.
“I want to continue the progress that I feel I have made so far. I am learning every day from the manager and the coaching staff. “
Jose Mourinho, who has been criticised throughout his career for a perceived lack of focus on youth players, was similarly pleased with the new contract :
“I am pleased that he has signed a new contract and I am delighted at the progress he has made so far.
It is clear to see that he is learning every day in training and there will be plenty of opportunities for him as the season continues.”
Fosu-Mensah made his debut last season, coming on as a substitute in a 3-2 home win against Arsenal. He has made 12 appearances for United since then, two of which have come this season.
The youngster is a tall, powerful and quick player who has also featured in midfield and at full-back at the youth level. Based on his performances thus far, he will no doubt be a valuable asset should Manchester United suffer an injury crisis in defence.
Given the faith showed in him with this new deal, the EFL and Europa League will be perfect opportunities to continue to blood in the youngster. He has already featured once in each competition, and will likely continue to do so, as Mourinho clearly does not favour Marcos Rojo at the moment.
He joined United in 2014 from Dutch club Ajax, and has also represented the Netherlands at every youth level so far. He has also represented the senior team in international friendlies.