EXCLUSIVE: Luton Town defender Teden Mengi insists his side can put further pressure on Erik ten Hag as he returns to Man United after an impressive draw against Liverpool
- Teden Mengi impressed as Luton held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road
- The defender returns to Old Trafford on Saturday to play against former Manchester United
- Why Luton is the team that can stand out from promoted clubs: It all comes to the surface
Luton Town defender Teden Mengi believes his side can put further pressure on Erik ten Hag this weekend as he prepares for his first return to Manchester United.
The Premier League’s new boys were just minutes away from pulling off the biggest shock of the season so far on Sunday, only for Luis Diaz’s stoppage-time goal to deny them a famous win over Liverpool.
Mengi was excellent for Luton against Jurgen Klopp’s side and the centre-back believes he can build on Saturday’s result against United.
“It was a difficult game, as we expected against a very good Liverpool side, but I felt we were more and held our own against them,” he said.
‘We should have won when we were so close to victory, but to be honest we would have drawn before the start of the match.
Luton Town defender Teden Mengi was excellent in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool
Mengi returns to Manchester United on Saturday after leaving for the Hatters in the summer
‘It is good for the confidence that we can handle this level and we want to continue from here.
“The performance will give us 100 percent confidence when we go to Manchester United this weekend that we can get a result there and we won’t be scared.
“They haven’t been in great form lately and hopefully we can go there and cause them problems and get a result.”
Saturday’s visit to Old Trafford marks Mengi’s first return to United since leaving for Luton this summer and he is determined to prove to everyone at the club that he is capable of playing in the Premier League.
The 21-year-old came through the youth system at Old Trafford and represented the various age groups before progressing to the first team, making his debut for the club in August 2020.
Mengi has made just two senior appearances for United in recent seasons and has been loaned out to Derby County and Birmingham City.
Injuries hampered Mengi’s bid to establish himself at United, but the England U20 international has always backed his ability to play regularly in the Premier League and he seized the opportunity at Luton with a number of impressive performances for the Hatters.
“It will be a special occasion (to return to United) and I want to prove to them and show everyone what I am capable of and that I can play at this level,” Mengi added.
Mengi believes Luton can get another result against Manchester United and put more pressure on Erik ten Hag (centre)
‘I have always stood behind my ability to perform in the way that I can, but unfortunately I have not suffered from injuries.
‘I am really enjoying my time at Luton and am grateful that they have given me the opportunity to play in the Premier League.’
Mengi has praised Luton boss Rob Edwards’ impact on the club and believes he has created a sense of family within the squad which could be crucial in their battle to stay afloat.
“He (Edwards) is so good to play with,” Mengi noted.
‘His communication and application are spot-on and he has confidence in all the players.
‘It’s like a family within the team, we’re such a close unit and a humble group and that could be crucial in helping us stay afloat.’
