Derby County sign Man United defender Teden Mengi on loan

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 19 May 2021 11:54 BST
• 2 min read

Derby County have confirmed the loan signing of Manchester United defender Teden Mengi for the remainder of the season. 

The 18-year-old central defender has made just three appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side this season and has now made the move to the English Championship club in search of first team football. 

Derby, who are now managed by former Man Utd star Wayne Rooney, make Mengi their first and presumably last signing of the January window.

Upon his arrival, Mengi was quick to point out how fortunate he felt to be joining the club and getting an opportunity to get game time under a former Man Utd legend. 

“I’m really excited. I’m buzzing to be here,” the defender told Derby County’s website. 

“When I heard that Derby were interested I thought it was a no-brainer for me. They’re a club in the Championship, against good opponents and it allows me to play in senior football. 

“Wayne Rooney has been brilliant with me. As soon as I found out Derby were interested he was on the phone and he was telling me what the club is about and what he wants from me. He’s been brilliant with me so far.”

Mengi looks to be Man United’s last bit of business in the January transfer window, after Solskjaer confirmed in a press conference on Monday that the club would be making no more signings. 

“No-one will come in. Don’t stay up late,” said Soljskaer when he spoke to the media.

“Phil [Jones] has been recovering from a knee injury after an operation he had. He’s working hard to be included again, he will be on the list and hopefully he’ll get his fitness back sooner rather than later.”

“We’ve made decisions we feel have been good for individuals with the young players moving on and giving them the chance to play more football is important for us. 

“Our group is a tight knit group, we don’t have too many players in excess and hopefully Jesse can get going at West Ham as well.”