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Tim Fosu-Mensah has a big decision to make about his future at Manchester United this summer.

The 18-year-old Dutchman must consider ditching his versatile tag and target a specific role in the Reds side under Jose Mourinho.

The new Old Trafford boss outlined the questions that lie head for the likes of Fosu-Mensah in his opening United press conference this week.

Mourinho made it plain that ex-manager Louis van Gaal's penchant for multi-functional players was not his bag.

“I am more a manager that likes specialists and not so much the multi-functional players because I am very clear in my approach, in my model of play so I need specialist and not multifunctional players,” he said.

“Multifunctional players are like one or two, because when you are in trouble in the season you always need one or two who can fill in or when you have three central defenders injured or suspended you need some left back or midfield player to help, but basically I want specialists.”

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Van Gaal's liking for players with varied skills opened up a route for Fosu-Mensah into United's senior side from last February onwards with 10 appearances, including four starts, both as a full back and in the centre of defence. He also has a midfield string to his bow.

It has left the Amsterdam born player confused as to his best position.

Asked if a defensive midfield role was his best Fosu-Mensah recently replied, “I think so, but there are more positions I feel comfortable with.”

Previously when asked his best role he also said, “It’s a difficult question. I think I’ll just be keeping my options open. Centre-back or midfield, I think that is the most chance.

“As an attacking midfielder, you come into positions where you have to think and think as an attacking player as well. When you go back to being a defender, it helps you think how attackers think – about where they’re moving to and what they have to do before they receive the ball. So it definitely helps your game when you play in other positions.

“I think, when you’re young, it’s important you can play in as many positions as you can so, wherever the manager wants you to play, you have more experience in every role.”

The young Red might now be best advised on a rethink and aim for one specific job.

Previous United eras were more favourable to utility players allowing players like Phil Neville and John O'Shea to prosper on the appearance list. But latterly Phil Jones discovered that he fell between too many stools and the progress expected of him was hampered, coupled obviously with his catastrophic injury list, and now he's paying the price.

Fosu-Mensah must take heed.