In the week in which Kobbie Mainoo was nominated for the Premier League’s 2024/25 Young Player of the Year trophy, two players formerly of Manchester United of picked up a gong of their own.
It’s awards season in England. And while few at Manchester United will be rushing to put on their black ties and prepare their speeches – there has been very little to celebrate during a disastrous campaign which could see the Red Devils finish in a worst-ever placing of eighth – the looming threat of relegation did not prevent another top-flight club from letting their hair down for the evening.
Luton Town’s valiant efforts look likely to go unrewarded. With only two games left, Rob Edwards’ side are three points adrift of Nottingham Forest and on a very untimely run of four matches without a win.
Still, almost like the Blackpool of Ian Holloway, Luton will bow out of the Premier League with the respect and the admiration of every neutral in the land. A squad made up largely of EFL stalwarts and former top-flight starlets have punched above their weight impressively, even if it was their most heralded, most recognisable name in Ross Barkley who ended up taking home the Player of the Season gong at Luton’s awards ceremony onTuesday night.
Former Manchester United duo win awards
Barkley is not the only one making room on his mantelpiece, however, even if the ex-England international was also named the Signing of the Season and the Junior Supporters’ Player of the Season, rolling back the years to spark links with Man United themselves.
Tahith Chong, once viewed among the brightest talents in his generation at Carrington, finally made his mark in the top-flight at Kenilworth Road. The £4 million summer signing from Birmingham City earned Luton’s Goal of the Season award, finishing off a flowing move against Liverpool which had fans of his old club – let alone his current one – cheering.
Chong was joined at Luton by fellow Red Devils export Teden Mengi in September. The young centre-half, putting years of injury issues behind him, was a real breakout star in 2024/25, picking up the rather niche ‘Away Player of the Season’ award for his colossal performances on the road.
Premier League future looks bright for Teden Mengi
“He has been brilliant this year,” Edwards told BBC Sport in February, ahead of Man United’s Rasmus Hojlund-inspired 2-1 win at Kenilworth Road.
“For a young player to come in, move away from his boyhood club and make that brave decision, and then perform the way he has at the highest level…
“It’s really astounding.”
Mengi, the Manchester-born defender who spent. 14years in the club’s feted academy, could yet have a part to play during Ineos’ first summer in control at Old Trafford.
According to Football Transfers, Mengi is a summer target for Everton. The Toffees appear to be – rather begrudgingly – preparing for Jarrad Branthwaite’s departure. And Mengi may be viewed as a leading candidate to replace a man who has been installed as Man United’s number one centre-half target with Raphael Varane expected to depart.
“It’s difficult,” Rio Ferdinand told Vibe with Five recently, explaining that Mengi’s Old Trafford departure was nothing to do with his ability and everything to do with his fitness record.
“We’ve always spoken highly of him. Potential-wise, ability-wise it was never in question at Manchester United, it was just the ability to stay fit. He couldn’t.”
Starting 26 league games in 2023/24, the hope will be that this is the season where Mengi turned a corner.