Timothy Fosu-Mensah "focused" on making impact at Manchester United

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 04 June 2016

Timothy Fosu-Mensah admits that he is desperate to return to full fitness in time for pre-season in order to push on from where he left off in 2015-16 at Old Trafford.

Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah has insisted that he will "do everything" in his power to ensure that he is fit and firing for the start of next season.

The 18-year-old pulled out of the latest Netherlands squad for friendlies with the Republic of Ireland, Poland and Austria due to an injury problem.

Fosu-Mensah is hoping that he will be given another chance to impress at international level in the future, but his priority right now is to become an established member of Man United's senior side after an impressive breakthrough year last time out.

"A groin problem was causing me too many problems," he told Voetbal International of his decision to pull out of the national side. "I told the coach about it and also informed the doctor. I need to rest. If I do too much now, I will be sidelined during pre-season.

"We also have a trip to China coming up with Manchester United. I have to be fit for that. It's a long journey and we will be training hard. I will meet with my physio in two weeks' time and we will do everything to make sure I will be ready for the first training of the new season.

"The national team coach has ensured me that he is keeping a close eye on me. I am still only 18. My time will come. I am focused on United now. I was happy with the call-up for Netherlands and the coach will keep following me."

Fosu-Mensah made eight Premier League appearances for United in 2015-16, having been handed his debut in February's victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford.