Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah reveals long-term ambition at Old Trafford

Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah has his eyes on an extended stay at Old Trafford after recently signing a new deal with the club. The 18-year-old academy graduate penned a new contract until June 2020, with the option to extend for a further year, earlier this week.

Fosu-Mensah, who joined United from Dutch club Ajax in 2014, is relishing life at Old Trafford and is determined to make a success of his time in England, having made his first-team debut earlier this year.

"I feel very happy. It [the contract] shows that the club has a lot of confidence in me and I just want to pay them back with my performances on the pitch," Fosu-Mensah, who has made 12 appearances for United, told MUTV. "I hope this is the first of many. I'll keep trying to develop myself."

The burly teenager has found first-team opportunities limited so far this term, with Antonio Valencia being selected as Jose Mourinho's first-choice right-back at Old Trafford. However, Fosu-Mensah made a cameo appearance in midfield in United's 4-1 win against Fenerbahce on Thursday night (20 October) – a position he has previously played in at youth and reserve team level.

"I've not played there for a long time," the United youngster said after the game. "I've played there a lot for the Under-18s and Under-21s and it was a little bit different but as soon as I was on the pitch it felt good."

Mourinho is a self-confessed fan of Fosu-Mensah and has revealed he has high hopes for the teenager. "Tim is a young player with great potential," the United boss said. "I am pleased that he has signed a new contract and I am delighted at the progress he has made so far. It is clear to see that he is learning every day in training and there will be plenty of opportunities for him as the season continues."