Manchester United youngster Timothy Fosu-Mensah has reportedly signed a new four-year deal at Old Trafford.

One for the future

The 18-year-old Dutchman impressed many last season, with the former Ajax man been one of the handful of youngsters brought through by former manager Louis van Gaal.

Mensah went onto make 10 appearances last season, having replaced Marcos Rojo in the 3-2 win over Arsenal, even appearing in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Everton.

A new contract could be announced as early as Friday, following on from the likes of Marcus Rashford and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, and is expected to be a understudy to Antonio Valencia.

However some of the youngsters at Old Trafford have proved surplus to requirements under Jose Mourinho.

Eight youth players have left the club so far this summer, with the duo of Paddy McNair and Donald Love becoming the latest departures, with their combined £5.5m move to Sunderland.

Above: Jesse Lingard celebrating his goal in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Leicester City | Photo: Kevin Quigley
Above: Jesse Lingard celebrating his goal in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Leicester City | Photo: Kevin Quigley

Different manner than expected

Mourinho has built up a prickly reputation over the years, but Community Shield and FA Cup hero Jesse Lingard, has said that he has been surprised by the coaches manner.

He said: "He's the main coach and the main manager," and admitted: "He takes all the sessions and, while he wants us to work hard, he is always cracking jokes and having banter with the players."

He continued: "I thought he'd be very strict but, even though he works us hard and his mind is always on the job at all times," but said that "he also has a joke with the players."

Lingard insisted: "I think that has helped the lads bond with him," before concluding: "He has that presence and aura about him, but you can still speak to him about anything and he will always try to help."

Manchester United will take on AFC Bournemouth at Dean Court on Sunday, August 14 with kick-off at 1:30pm BST.

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About the author
Danial  Kennedy
Award-winning sports journalism graduate. Currently studying a PR Masters at the University of Sunderland. Writing for VAVEL since August 2014. Twitter - @ddkjournalism.