Manchester United Winners and Losers if Van Gaal Stays
Winner: Timothy Fosu-Mensah
The defender is just one player from a standout list of academy prospects to receive their senior debuts under the current manager. Fosu-Mensah received his first chance as a result of an injury to Marcos Rojo, and while his involvement has been sporadic since, he clearly has the potential for future success.
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Even at a young age of 18, his physicality is equal to that of older strikers he has faced thus far. Regardless of his defensive assignement, striker or winger depending on his position, Fosu-Mensah matches tick for tack. His strength served him in match-ups with Romelu Lukaku and Odion Ighalo, while his position and tackling prevented Danny Welbeck and Aaron Lennon from besting him with pace.
With Van Gaal’s track record of grooming young players into world class talents, the Dutch defender has little cause for concern. He should receive ample opportunities if his fellow countryman remains in charge next season, owing to the manager’s strategy to use youth as squad depth rather than signing peripheral players.
Next: Loser: Andreas Pereira