Teden Mengi has revealed he accepted the chance to join Derby County on loan after speaking with the Manchester United coaching team about his development.
Mengi made his first-team debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer against LASK Linz last season and has captained Neil Wood's U23 side this term.
The defender was absent from the squad which defeated Liverpool on Saturday and completed his loan move on Sunday.
He links up with United great Wayne Rooney who was appointed permanent Derby manager in January, which confirmed his retirement from playing.
Mengi had the final decision on whether a spell with the Championship side would be best for his career development and says he was urged to ,make the move by United's coaches.
"They tell you the situation and ask you how you feel about it," he said. "At the end of the day, it is down to the player to make the decision. I did have the conversations with the coaches and they thought this would be brilliant for me and brilliant for my development as I am still young in the game, but I will try to thrive for more. I think I did well in the Under-23s last season so I think I need a new challenge."
Mengi said Rooney was quick to call after Derby's interest became known and the United youngster hailed the immediate impact the former England international has made.
He added: "He has been brilliant. As soon as I found out Derby were interested, Wayne was on the phone. He was telling me what the club is about and what he wants from me. He has been brilliant with me so far.
"When I first heard Derby County were interested, it was a no-brainer for me to be in the Championship against good opponents and to be playing men’s football."
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