Manchester United’s academy duo spend a week at AFC Wimbledon discussing future loan deals
Manchester United’s youngsters Dermot Mee and Rhys Bennett have spent the past week with AFC Wimbledon.
The goalkeeper and midfielder spent the week with the League One club as part of United’s new “pro-experience program” for younger players.
United have already sent players to Sheffield Wednesday earlier this season.
An integral part of the project is Justin Cochrane, who this summer was appointed United’s head of player development and coaching.
Cochrane, who previously worked as a first-team coach at AFC Wimbledon, explained via the club’s website, “It is an opportunity for the young players at Manchester United to enter senior environments in the league.
“They spend a week with teams, where I know the manager and the environment they have there, just to get a sense of what men’s football really is.
“They get the whole” open door “when it comes to seeing how it is in training, meetings, doing a warm-up before a match – all they do not do is play in a match.
“It’s a great experience for these young players, who are mostly used to playing in youth matches, just knowing the different levels of intensity and what is required of them in a men’s environment.
“The two players have really enjoyed it! They have been welcome since day one.”
It is a good experience for the players to pick up. This season, Dermot Mee had a short loan spell in the non-league in August with Trafford FC, and has also been in the EFL Trophy against Lincoln City and Sunderland.
Bennett has been in the UEFA Youth League and recently started in the victory over Atalanta.
Opens doors for the future
The program helps relations between United and lower league clubs and is truly an eye opener for the younger players, and will better prepare them for when loans eventually come their way.
Cochrane confirmed that he had held talks with AFC Wimbledon boss Mark Robinson to discuss possible loan deals for January in general, not necessarily for Mee or Bennett, but to discuss what the League One team is looking for and whether United have a player to fill that need. . .
He said: “I talked to Robbo about potential players. We had some conversations about potential loans.”
United loaned out 14 different players during this summer’s transfer window and more are likely to follow in January.
The club must balance out the needs of the Academy Act and not be left too hard.
Teden Mengi, Matej Kovar, Anthony Elanga and Amad are all strong challengers to go out on loan in 2022.
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