Versatile defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah has been impressing Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, on his loan spell at Crystal Palace
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is set to take a final decision on the future of young defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah, according to reports from the Daily Mirror.
The Dutchman is currently on loan with fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace, having signed by the Eagles’ former manager Frank de Boer at the start of the season. Fosu-Mensah started off the season fairly well and was one of the few bright spots for Palace as they struggled to get going, which eventually led to De Boer’s sacking.
Following the appointment of Roy Hodgson at the Selhurst Park, Fosu-Mensah has continued his development, showing improvements with each passing game for the Eagles. Till date, the 20-year old defender has featured on 18 occasions across all competitions for his temporary club.
And his performances have reportedly impressed Mourinho, who is now reportedly considering taking a final call on the youngster’s long-term future at Manchester United.
Following Palace’s 1-0 win over Burnley this past weekend, Fosu-Mensah revealed that he had been in touch with Mourinho over the course of the season and had received positive feedback from the Portuguese tactician. As quoted by the Mirror, he said:
“I’ve spoken to Jose this season. He’s positive, it’s good to have contact with him and he said I have to keep going so that’s what I’m trying to do.
“I want to go back to Old Trafford and push for a place next season. But my focus now is on Crystal Palace.
“It’s good for a manager to have a player who can play more positions. I can play centre-back, I can play right-back, I can play defensive midfield.
“Everything is good. I just came here to play. Playing regularly makes me stronger. You have to play to develop so I’m happy that I’m playing.”
Fosu-Mensah burst onto the scenes under the reign of Louis Van Gaal, making his senior debut for Manchester United in the 3-2 win over Arsenal in February 2016. Since then, he has made 21 appearances for the Red Devils, in which he has managed a single assist.
Given the fact that the two-time capped Netherlands international can play as a right-back, a centre-back or in a defensive midfield position, he can be more than a handy option for Manchester United to have in their ranks.
Especially with Matteo Darmian continuously being linked with a move back to Italy, the youngster could prove to be a more than useful squad player for the 20-time English champions.
