Manchester United Loan Watch: Week 4

Timothy Fosu-Mensah – Crystal Palace

It was a big weekend for Fosu-Mensah’s Crystal Palace as they finally scored their first goal and recorded their first win of the season, beating Chelsea 2-1. Fosu-Mensah was demoted to the bench for this highly competitive match-up, although he did make an appearance with five minutes left in the game. The reassuring news is that Hodgson, although benching Timmy, was confident enough in the young defender to see out a tight game in the closing minutes.

He added another element of speed and athleticism to Crystal Palace’s defense, helping secure all three points. He will hope to return to the starting line-up next weekend in a tough away fixture against an in-form Newcastle United side.

Andreas Pereira – Valencia CF

It seems like every week we do an update; Pereira is in the news for something not related to his talent on the field. However, we will start with his on-the-field action first.

Pereira has sent a loud message back to José Mourinho, as he scored a spectacular goal in Valencia CF’s 6-3 thrashing of Real Betis. The youngster was brought on in the 75th minute; 18 minutes later, he showed all his promise – beating two defenders and cutting in on his right foot, he unleashed a thunderbolt into the top-right corner.

Unfortunately for Pereira, he won’t be driving to training anytime soon. The youngster was caught driving his Bentley at 148 km/h in an urban area where the speed limit is 50 km/h. He was banned for eight months from driving and slapped a hefty fine.

Pereira will look to put his misdemeanor behind him as he gets ready for Saturday’s clash with Sevilla, who sit two places behind Valencia in the table.

Sam Johnstone – Aston Villa

It was a disappointing return to league action for Aston Villa, as they were comfortably beaten away at Wolves. In a game where Wolves dominated possession, shots and corners, Johnstone was the stand-out performer once again. He made a few terrific saves to keep the score less than two.

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has openly stated his desire for a permanent move for Johnstone. His wishes look more likely to be granted than not. Johnstone, now 24, after several loan moves, appears to have found his home of regular football and he is excelling in this environment.

He will look to push Villa back into the play-off spots with a home match-up against Fulham next weekend.

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson – Leeds United

Borthwick-Jackson was once again unnamed in the Leeds United squad after their 1-0 loss at home to Reading. With only one Championship appearance since his summer loan move, it is worrying at the lack of action he is receiving.

The bright side for Borthwick-Jackson, if there is one, is the poor run of form Leeds United find themselves in. With three losses in a row in the Championship, a changing of personnel may be required. He will hope to be named on the team-sheet when Leeds travel to Bristol City this weekend.

Dean Henderson – Shrewsbury Town

Probably the most notifiable of all our loan players on this week’s report, Henderson’s emphatic form has led to multiple rumors debating his Manchester United future. Premier League rivals Arsenal and Portuguese side Benfica have been linked with the 20-year-old. After keeping five clean sheets in his first 10 games with League One side Shrewsbury Town, it’s understandable to see the interest. His contract with United is up at the end of this season; sources indicate Mourinho likes Henderson, so it will be interesting to monitor the manager’s movements whether or not to tie down the young shot-stopper.

He was not involved in any of the previous two Shrewsbury Town games – which they tied and won – because of his involvement with England’s U-21 side. Disappointingly for Henderson, he was unused by Aidy Boothroyd in their games with Scotland and Andorra. He fell behind in the pecking order to highly-rated goalkeepers Angus Gunn and Freddie Woodman.

Regan Poole – Northampton Town

After spending the previous two fixtures on the bench, Poole was back in the line-up for Northampton Town in 2-2 draw away to Rochdale. The result keeps Northampton Town in the relegation zone.

Poole played also played 90 minutes for Wales’ U-21 side, in their 3-1 win away to Lichtenstein.

Devonte Redmond – Scunthorpe United

Redmond was finally included in Graham Alexander’s squad on Tuesday night. He was an unused sub in their 1-1 draw against Fleetwood Town. It’s promising signs for Redmond, who has been completely left out of the squad in previous matches. He will hope for more inclusion and minutes on the pitch, or a recall to Manchester United may still be the best option for the young midfielder.

Matty Willock – Utrecht FC

Matty Willock appears to be loving his time at FC Utrecht. He told Manchester Evening News that it is a different way of football over in Holland and he was really enjoying it. Although not a regular in the line-up, he came off the bench in a 1-1 draw at Vitesse. He was an unused sub in the 3-1 home win against Heerenveen. Utrecht sit eighth in the Ducth Eridivisie and have a chance to leapfrog AZ Alkmaar when the two meet on Sunday.