Manchester United fans were certainly pleased to see one of their own academy players graduate to the first team in Tahith Chong.
The Dutchman made his official debut vs Reading in the FA Cup and seemed to impress supporters despite coming off the bench to replace Juan Mata.
Chong was with the United squad for their pre-season tour of the United States and although he appeared in some of the friendlies, he hasn’t been seen since.
The youngster couldn’t have asked for a more low-key game to come on to which gave him the platform to perform without any real pressure.
Tahith showed glimpses of his quality and if he can steadily improve, there’s no doubt he can be a real asset to the first team.
https://twitter.com/TheManUtdWay/status/1081553693311488000
Tahith Chong becomes the 229th youth academy player to graduate to the Man Utd first team.
The United way ???? pic.twitter.com/xjOSp1rTpX
— Man Utd Channel (@ManUtdChannel) January 5, 2019
Dalot, Chong, McTominay, Pereira, Rashford all on the pitch. YOOF! #MatchdayMac #MUFC #MUNREA
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) January 5, 2019
Chong coming on ????????
— Ste Howson (@MrStephenHowson) January 5, 2019
Another win for United !! And great to seee Chong today ????????❤️ #MUNREA
— Katrina Maria ???????? (@KatrinaMariia) January 5, 2019
15 – Tahith Chong completed more passes v Reading (15) than Juan Mata (14), the player he replaced after 62 minutes. Eager. pic.twitter.com/ql74DSOzhH
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) January 5, 2019
The Red Devils’ right-wing is clearly a problem area with most of their attacks almost being forced down the left flank.
This makes it far too easy to defend against as it’s way too predictable and is arguably Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s biggest issue to resolve.
Chong is a left-footed right-winger and would certainly love to make that position his own if he could so hopefully he can develop quickly enough.