Wayne Rooney has confirmed that Teden Mengi will return to Manchester United after suffering a season-ending injury.
The 18-year-old centre-back joined Derby County on a season-long loan in the January transfer window and has made nine Championship appearances for the Rams.
In seven starts for the relegation-threatened side, Mengi impressed at the heart of Derby's defence.
However, Rooney has now confirmed Mengi will miss the last four games of Derby's campaign and has returned to United for treatment, though the injury is not thought to be too serious.
"Mengi will miss the rest of the season and go back to Manchester United from today," Rooney confirmed. "(He's been) fantastic for us. I've seen him grow with each game. We will keep in contact with United and Teden about next season. The injury isn't too serious but he won't recover in time to play again."
Rooney admitted earlier this month that Derby have an agreement in principle that could see Mengi return to Pride Park next season.
Speaking last month, Mengi explained how much he was enjoying playing under Rooney.
“I’m really enjoying it at Derby," he said. "It’s good to be in a different environment with a great bunch of lads and a great manager in Wayne Rooney, who is a legend of this club.
”I think the connection comes there between me and him and he’s shown faith in me. He gave me a chance and I think I took it well. It’s good to be playing regularly in the Championship, at a tough level. I think I’m coping well and I’m really happy with it."
