Wayne Rooney has described Teden Mengi as a ‘fantastic young player’ after the Manchester United defender joined Derby County on loan until the end of the season.
Mengi, 18, will hope to gain first-team experience in the Championship under Rooney’s tutelage after captaining United’s U23 development side this term.
The talented young centre-back made his United debut in the Europa League victory over LASK at Old Trafford in August but has not made a senior appearance in this campaign.
Rooney was asked about the imminent arrival of Mengi during his press conference on Monday ahead of an away fixture against Rotherham on Tuesday evening.
“He is a fantastic young player – he is quick, and strong, he can play in a two or a three at the back,” Derby’s in-house media team. he told
He is ready to come into the squad once the paperwork is done.”
Derby later confirmed the signing of Mengi on 4pm on transfer deadline day.
He is the first player signed by Rooney as Derby boss since he was appointed the club’s new manager in January.
United’s other academy stars James Garner have also been granted new loan moves to Nottingham Forest and Club Brugge respectively.
Listen to Rooney discuss Mengi below. Footage courtesy of RamsTV.
"He's a fantastic player with a bright future." 🌟@WayneRooney on securing the loan signing of @TedenMengi from @ManUtd 🙌 pic.twitter.com/YAHOuCWokU
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) February 1, 2021
