Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hailed Teden Mengi as a "proper centre-back" after his Manchester United debut on Wednesday night.
The 18-year-old wasn't a starter against LASK but was introduced after Eric Bailly limped off with an injury.
Mengi has enjoyed an excellent year with United's U23s and was given a brief run out with against their Austrian opponents.
Solskjaer has showed his willingness to offer academy talents an opportunity in the first team and gave a host them a chance in an earlier Europa League clash against Astana.
Mengi didn't appear that night but the Norwegian has underlined his faith in the defender.
"He’s a leader, a [proper] centre-back," said Solskjaer.
"He’s one we believe in. He’s in the same age group as Mason [Greenwood]. They grew up together.
"He’s strong, quick, good on the ball. We’ve got a decent player there."
Greenwood has been the biggest success story of United's academy over the past 12 months.
The striker has long been tipped for big things and scored a club record 17 times this term as he formed an impressive partnership with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
Brandon Williams is another player to establish himself in Solskjaer's first team.
The full-back has made 34 appearances in all competitions and recently signed a new long-term deal at Old Trafford.
"His new deal is a real testament to his hard work and the progress that he has made since his debut," said Solskjaer.
"Brandon never looked back after stepping up from the academy and, having come all the way through the system, he understands what it means to play for Manchester United."
.jpg?w=600)
