'Energy': Forward Man United let go for free in January 2024 now shining, national media outlets praise him
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Manchester United have not enjoyed the best start to the 2024/25 campaign under Erik ten Hag.
There are already whispers that INEOS want Gareth Southgate to replace the Dutchman, after he oversaw just two wins from the opening six Premier League games.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 11 | B’mouthBournemouth | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 8 |
| 12 | BrentfordBrentford | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 10 | -2 | 7 |
| 13 | Man UtdManchester United | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 8 | -3 | 7 |
| 14 | West HamWest Ham | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | -4 | 5 |
| 15 | IpswichIpswich | 6 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 10 | -5 | 4 |
There was also a disappointing 1-1 draw against FC Twente in the UEFA Europa League.
It was a summer of significant turnover at Old Trafford, as the likes of Jadon Sancho, Scott McTominay, Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all departed.
However, one player who left Manchester United on a free transfer six months beforehand in January 2024 is now receiving rave reviews in Spain.
Spanish media praise Mateo Mejia after Manchester United exit
Spanish news outlets Diario de Sevilla and Marca have heaped praise on Mateo Mejia – after he delivered a fine performance on his senior debut for Sevilla.
The 21-year-old made a huge impact in just ten minutes of action after replacing Peque Fernandez in the 80th minute against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
Entering the pitch with Sevilla 1-0 down, Mejia got involved immediately as his alertness saw him capitalise on a loose touch from Julen Agirrezabala, resulting in the Athletic Bilbao glovesman to be sent off in the 82nd minute.
Sevilla were then able to equalise in the 93rd minute to snatch a 1-1 draw thanks to an own goal from Alex Padilla, a result which Diario de Sevilla and Marca largely put down to the Manchester United outcast’s bright cameo.
Marca write that Mejia showed “speed and size” to trouble Athletic Bilbao, adding that the Colombia U20 international already seems to be “developed” as a senior player.
Diario de Sevilla added that the man from Zaragoza injected “energy” into Sunday’s La Liga clash.
Manchester United will benefit if Mejia shines at Sevilla
If Mejia continues to impress in Seville and eventually secures a lucrative move elsewhere, the Red Devils will at least benefit through a sell-on clause.
Debut en Primera División ✔️
— Sevilla Fútbol Club (@SevillaFC) September 30, 2024
Debut con el primer equipo del Sevilla FC ✔️
👏🏼 ¡Enhorabuena, Mateo! #AthleticSevillaFCpic.twitter.com/YxFeOqWdeG
Marca state that Manchester United, who have also been criticised for selling McTominay, negotiated a 25% cut of the money from any transfer the winger makes in future, which is quite a hefty percentage.
There is – however – no mention of a direct buyback clause.
Hopefully, Mejia does turn into a superstar at Sevilla and moves elsewhere, so Manchester United can at least receive some cash after allowing a top talent to depart for free.