Here’s how the on-loan United players fared this week
Timothy Fosu-Mensah (Crystal Palace)
Played the full 90 minutes in his side’s narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool. Sadio Mane’s goal spoiled the evening for the Eagles, who were looking set to come home with a draw. Timothy showed why he’s the real deal, as he made a couple of perfectly timed tackles and some aerial clearances which were his highlights of the match. He was solid and composed on the ball, and looked very confident in his favourable right-sided role, even if it was in a three-man defence. He made his debut in the 3-0 upset at the hands of Huddersfield, and was subbed off after 78 minutes.
He recently revealed in an interview that Mourinho and even his assistant Rui Faria are in regular contact with him, and believes that his first two weeks at the club have been a success for him individually. He also admitted that he’d be happy to play in whichever position his manager wants him to play in, and would surely learn a lot if he gets regular football action. And on current form, he’s simply undroppable.
He’s had a good start under Frank De Boer, and is expected to remain in the starting eleven as Palace host Ipswich Town in the Second Round of the League Cup.
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson (Leeds United)
Hasn’t yet made his debut for the Whites, and was an unused substitute in both Championship games. Their season opener was a stalemate draw against Fulham, while he again sat out the 2-0 win over Sunderland, who were relegated from the Premier League last season. Samuel Saiz and Stuart Dallas scored either side of half time to kick start their league campaign.
Borthwick-Jackson is expected to feature as his side host Newport County in the second round of the League Cup on Tuesday evening.
Sam Johnstone (Aston Villa)
Played the entire match against Norwich City, which ended in a 4-2 win for his side. Johnstone couldn’t really do much for either of the goals, and it was his defence that let him down for both Josh Murphy and Nelson Oliviera’s finishes. He managed to make two saves and a headed clearance, and his best moment came when he raced 10 yards outside his area to tackle Cameron Jerome, who’d run clear in an attempt to clinch a first half equaliser.
Given the final score line, it was a very average performance by Johnstone, but he won’t have any fears as he looks set to be the first choice at least till the end of the season. However, his evening could’ve been worse had Conor Hourihane and Andre Green not managed to get on the score sheet. Anyway, he’s almost sure to start in goal as Wigan Athletic visit Villa Park on Tuesday for their second round League Cup clash.