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Erik ten Hag needs to prove his worth for Man Utd between now and end of season
Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Greenwood joined forces on social media on Wednesday to send love to former Manchester United team-mate Teden Mengi following his England U21 debut. March's international break produced landmark moments for Mainoo and Mengi, while Greenwood looks to be keeping in touch from Spain.
The 22-year-old forward is currently out of the England picture after Gareth Southgate admitted his inclusion would represent a distraction for his Euro 2024-eyeing squad.
Greenwood has scored eight goals and provided a further five assists in 27 games on loan at Getafe this season, and he looks likely to leave United permanently this summer.
Meanwhile, Mainoo is currently experiencing Greenwood's former status as the next big thing at Old Trafford, establishing himself as a regular starter and breaching the senior national team.
The 18-year-old has been the talk of the international break after earning his first cap against Brazil and his maiden start against Belgium at Wembley Stadium.
He has forced his way into Southgate's thinking for this summer's tournament in Germany and could be the name who Sir Jim Ratcliffe builds around at United for years to come.
Mengi appeared twice for the Red Devils after graduating from the club's academy, playing in the Champions League and Europa League.
The Three Lions are among the favourites to win this summer's Euro 2024 tournament and you can get your hands on the brand new Nike home and away kits before the first whistle.
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But injuries hampered the centre-back's progress and he left M16 in a permanent transfer last summer, completing a move to Premier League newcomers Luton Town.
Mengi, 21, has displayed his quality and potential at Kenilworth Road, making 27 appearances across all competitions.
He hadn't represented England since running out for the U20 side in November 2021. But Mengi's form for Luton resulted in his first U21 call-up, and he debuted in Tuesday's 7-0 win against Luxembourg.
"Special moment, special group. What a way to have the shirt back on [England flag]. Now, all focus on a massive last push [salute]," Mengi wrote on Instagram after the game.
Mainoo and Greenwood were among those reacting in his comment section, sending the former United defender love hearts in support.
Mainoo played with Mengi in the U21s before his breakthrough last season. Before that, Greenwood was the Luton star's U18s team-mate before he burst onto the scene under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Other United youngsters, including Willy Kambwala and Charlie McNeill, sent Mengi support. He also received messages from fellow ex-stars, including Angel Gomes and Anthony Elanga.
It's a credit to United's successful academy that its alums remain tightly-knit beyond their development in the youth ranks, regardless of which path they take.
