Get the day's biggest United stories delivered straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Timothy Fosu-Mensah could not have picked a better time to enter the conciousness of Manchester United supporters.

Ahead of the club's pre-season tour plans being announced on Wednesday, the Dutchman has cemented his status as one of the hottest prospects in the Reds' academy setup.

And he will hope that fortunate timing sees him rewarded with a place on that summer trip and a chance to impress Louis van Gaal.

Fosu-Mensah's reputation has grown significantly in the aftermath of an impressive performance against City's Under-18s team last weekend.

With Reds starved of action prior to a 4pm Sunday kick-off, plenty paid attention to what was essentially a 'mini-derby' aperitif played at Altrincham a day earlier.

Understandably, they could not help but be impressed by the graceful figure dominating at the back for United as they won 1-0.

Who are United's next generation?

Fosu-Mensah was flawless as part of a defensive line that faced plenty of probing from a talented Blues team in a hotly contested fixture.

And, while Callum Gribbin's free-kick winner grabbed the headlines, it was a clean sheet kept in difficult circumstances that truly earned United victory.

Amsterdam-born Fosu Mensah was key to that, and it is quite clear that he is not just rated by outside observers of United.

The 17-year-old was an unused substitute during the Under-21s' 3-2 win over West Ham at Leigh Sports Village last week - a move that potentially hints at the Reds' plans for him next season.

If the coaches at the club want to truly test the young defender out, then moving him up an age group and out of his comfort zone could be the way forward.

A likely summer exit for Tom Thorpe could also provide a convenient vacancy in that regard.

Such a step up would underline Fosu-Mensah's remarkable progress since moving to Old Trafford from Ajax for the nominal sum of £300,000 only last summer.

Reds scouts had spotted the Netherlands youth international helping his boyhood club to victory in the AEGON Future Cup tournament in April 2014.

And, somewhat surprisingly, a deal was sealed before his countryman Van Gaal had the chance to settle into his role as United boss.

The former Ajax coach, whose reputation for trusting young players is a deserved one, would have no doubted appreciated the serendipity of being presented with such a talented youngster, though.

Fosu-Mensah is a versatile player with immense physical qualities and the classy technique you might expect from a young Dutch player.

He looks a perfect fit for the style of play - or "philosophy", to quote the man himself - Van Gaal has instilled.

Now it is all about waiting patiently for opportunity. And he may not have to wait long.

Want more United news? Get our daily Manchester United news e-mail direct to your inbox - click through to sign up