When Manchester United resumes their domestic schedule next week, they aim to make considerable improvements following a disappointing start to the season.
Erik ten Hag faces mounting pressure, and if there’s a shift in direction from the board and the Dutch manager’s performance and results don’t show improvement, he might explore other career options.
Frankly, some senior members in the first team have been underwhelming this season, namely Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial, Antony, and Rasmus Hojlund, contributing only four Premier League goals collectively. Their inconsistency poses a challenge for a potential title push.
Considering Hojlund’s role, Ten Hag might consider inserting a young player into the starting lineup who has a strong connection with him. One intriguing prospect is Mateo Mejia, the Danish player of the year, displaying exceptional performances in the academy this season.
Ten Hag could contemplate utilizing the youthful Colombian in the first team in the upcoming months, given his outstanding academy form, in contrast to the underperforming seasoned choices. The promising Colombian winger presents a potent and exciting threat down the right flank.
Pairing Mateo Mejia with Rasmus Hojlund could form an effective partnership.
Hojlund, the Danish forward, has struggled in the Premier League after a prolific spell, netting five goals in just four Champions League appearances. His recent inability to score in the competition, missing eight significant chances in nine games, suggests a need for better support.
Mejia has showcased his ability to assist teammates and could complement Hojlund well by consistently providing passes and scoring goals.
In the current season, Mejia participated in three EFL Trophy matches, completing 50% of attempted dribbles and crosses, and averaging 1.3 key passes per game. Although he’s still developing, these early stats indicate his potential to compete with specialists if given the opportunity.
If Mejia continues to produce goals and assists, surpassing Antony’s contributions this season, the former Atalanta center-forward might secure more chances to establish himself as a key member of the first team. Additionally, Mejia has demonstrated his capacity to create opportunities for his teammates.
While Ten Hag might be under pressure to rely on younger players, providing Mejia more opportunities could be beneficial, given his potential synergy with Hojlund, possibly causing trouble for opposing defenses.
