PAUL PARKER: FOSU-MENSAH IS “ABSOLUTELY PERFECT” FOR UNITED

Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has joined those clamouring for young talent Timothy Fosu Mensah in the right back position.

Anthonio Valencia played in the role after a shuffle in the squad and was decent at it during pre season and in the season opener against Bournemouth. It seems that Valencia could solidify his position in the starting XI in that position.

“The position United have to worry about is right-back. They have Fosu-Mensah who is absolutely perfect. He is a very good defender and in the final third he’s as cool as a cucumber.

“He never panicked last season and has arrogance on the ball. He would be a better bet than Valencia who is fine up to a point but doesn’t have a trick,” Parker told 888Sport.

Fosu-Mensah got his first match for United under former coach Louis van Gaal last season. He was impressive in the game against Arsenal, stopping attacks and showing calm despite being a young player. His performance even earned him a call-up for Holland. Parker attacked Mourinho’s decision to leave out the player.

“The thing that goes against Fosu-Mensah is that he’s young and Mourinho doesn’t like young players. It’s the same old story and if that’s what is keeping him out of the side, that’s a concern.”

United have given many players chances in the past with striker Marcus Rashford one good example. Sir Alex Ferguson is known to have given young players opportunities with Federico Macheda and the Da Silva brothers being recent examples before he retired. Matteo Darmian who joined from Torino is still at the club despite his future remaining unclear. If he moves out then the chances of Fosu-Mensah displacing Valencia anytime this season would be high. Then he can get a chance to prove himself to Mourinho.