Manchester United: Ghana ask Timothy Fosu-Mensah to switch international allegiance

Manchester United starlet Timothy Fosu-Mensah has been approached by Ghana, who hope to convince him to represent their national team instead of the Netherlands.

Fosu-Mensah, 18, is one of a clutch of youngsters to have been thrown into the United first team by Louis van Gaal in recent months. Alongside Marcus Rashford, the teenage defender has been the most impressive of the group, filling in across the United backline with some eye-catching performances.

Despite Fosu-Mensah having already represented Netherlands at every youth level up to Under-19, Ghana boss Avram Grant is hopeful of persuading the youngster to switch allegiances.

A spokesman from Fosu-Mensah's agency Stellar Group told Dutch publication Algemeen Dagblad: "They called us. Ghana indeed wants to drive him to choose Ghana."

Although he was born in Amsterdam, both Fosu-Mensah's parents are from Ghana. But according to the same publication, Netherlands coach Danny Blind is ready to call up the player to the senior squad for their upcoming international friendlies in May and June.

The youngster has started United's last two matches against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham, playing in both full-back roles, finishing the match as his side booked their place in the FA Cup semi-final at Upton Park on Wednesday (13 April).

After that vital win, Fosu-Mensah paid tribute to United's senior players and goalkeeper David de Gea for helping guide the younger stars through.

"I think players like Michael Carrick, Daley Blind and Chris Smalling kept the team together in order to win this match," he told the club's official website. "It was very important because they give confidence to everyone on the pitch.

"David is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, maybe the best. It is very good to have a goalkeeper like that in your team. He can save you points or save you in the cup."