Manchester United travel to Luton Town in the Carabao Cup tonight, where squad rotation is expected.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already promised that ‘changes will be made’, meaning many fringe players will be given a chance to impress, and there’s a chance for some academy talents to step up.
With regards to the latter, many of the U23 figures have headed out on loan this season, but two names that will be knocking on the first-team door will be Brandon Williams and Teden Mengi. The former enjoyed a major breakthrough campaign last year, with his senior debut coming in this very competition.
The Englishman has been reflecting on his first-ever appearance with the club’s official site, stating: “Everyone always asks me if was I nervous but I think the excitement took over to be honest. I just went on there and did what I had to do. The game got a bit nervy when it went to penalties but we ended up getting the win. Going from being in the stands to on the pitch is something I’m very proud of and having all my family in the stands made it even more so.”
Taking this momentum forward, Williams is keen to start his own 20/21 season off brightly: “I take everything from the last year as a positive for myself and I just want to try to kick on now and go again. I want keep on working on what I was working on last year and keep on improving on my weaknesses.”
Embed from Getty ImagesWilliams is in strong contention to start tonight, given that Luke Shaw has only just returned from injury, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is still not fully match-fit.
Another player that will be pushing to make his mark on the side will be Mengi. The 18-year-old was recently promoted into the senior squad, and has been making serious progression within the club’s ranks.
Speaking about such progression, the defender said: “I’ve seen a massive improvement in my game, even just from watching the players and watching how everyone else does things and how I do things.
“It’s a lot faster and quicker. Everything is bigger, there’s bigger, more physical players. You’ve got to adapt quickly but it’s really good because you can learn a lot from the players around you which is good for me as I’m really young in the game. I’ve found it really beneficial for me.”
Mengi made his first-team appearance for United back in August, and it could be a sign of things to come for the teenager, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer clearly warming towards the young talent.
All eyes will certainly be on tonight’s team-sheet.
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