Not every player to come through the Manchester United academy will have long careers at the club, but many end up thriving elsewhere.

Kobbie Mainoo is on the fast-track to stardom after establishing himself as a key player in midfield for the Manchester United first team, and this past week he starred on international duty for England too.

Mainoo’s rise to prominence has seen him overtake some of the players he would have once looked up to. In the case of Teden Mengi, the young defender might yet catch him up.

Mengi left Manchester United last summer to sign with Luton Town, and has enjoyed a strong season, showing he belongs in the Premier League.

Teden Mengi’s United career

Teden Mengi made his Manchester United debut in August 2020 against LASK. The young centre-back was 18, and was viewed as a future first team regular.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer subsequently compared him to Matthijs de Ligt. At this time, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho had not even made their under-18s debuts – that would come six weeks later in the same game.

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Centre-back can be a tough position to gain trust in, and Mengi ended up being sent out on loan spells. Each of them ended prematurely through injury. He made one more first team appearance under Ralf Rangnick in the Champions League.

Last season he did not play a competitive minute, stretchered off on his comeback in a friendly against Cadiz, a game in which Mainoo propelled himself forward by scoring four minutes after coming off the bench.

In the summer United elected to sell up, allowing Mengi a fresh start at Luton Town. He’s stayed injury free and seized his opportunity, with 26 starts in all competitions.

Teden Mengi makes England under-21 debut

Still only 21, Teden Mengi was called into the England under-21 squad for the first time this week, making his debut as a substitute in a 7-0 win over Luxembourg.

He had previously featured for the Three Lions at under-17s, 18s, and 20s levels. Now he feels he is back on track, and he’s keen to make up for lost time.

Mengi wrote on Instagram: “Special moment, special group. What a way to have the shirt back on. Now all focus on a massive last push.”

Ex Manchester United colleagues react

Teden Mengi was a popular figure at Manchester United, captaining the team at under-18s and under-21 levels. He was a player many looked up to.

Seeing him get back on track has brought a smile to many fans, and his former colleagues.

Mason Greenwood, Anthony Elanga and Kobbie Mainoo were three of several who responded to his Instagram message, to show how happy they are for him.

Manchester United have supplied more teenage debutants for England that any other club.

Mengi might not have had the fast-track rise many expected him to, like Mainoo, but he is back on track and this spell with the under-21s can fuel his determination for a first senior call-up.

If he can stay injury free and build on this strong season, a senior call could well be in his future, making everybody at Manchester United proud.