Manchester United f.c.

Teden Mengi has returned from injury and he could be set for first-team involvement with Raphael Varane now sidelined.

Ten Hag has reiterated the importance of a strong squad and he would have taken notice of Mengi in training at Carrington. Mengi wore the armband against Tottenham and it's not just his stature that makes him stand out in academy matches, as he's always been a leader. Mengi returned to United for rehabilitation and he's now back to full fitness after maturely dealing with adversity again. It was a glowing endorsement and Mengi made yet another strong impression at Birmingham City on loan last season. The message was succinct, but Mengi would have slept well that night. Liverpool 'signed' Jay Spearing in the summer and the player-coach academy role certainly has merit.