Manchester United’s rich and illustrious history has seen some of the finest young talents develop their game and become household names upon breaking into the first team at Old Trafford.
However, it doesn’t always work out as planned for some budding youngsters who have to forge a career elsewhere after failing to make the grade under the bright lights of the Theatre of Dreams.
Exeter City full back Demetri Mitchell is one of those who left Manchester for pastures new and his now plying his trade in League One at the age of 28.
As reported by the Mirror, the defender believes he would have had a much better chance of nailing down a first team spot if he had broken through into this current crop of United stars.
In an exchange with a fan on via his social media account, X, Mitchell acknowledged he might not be a key member of the side but was adamant he would be part of the squad in it’s current guise.
“I reckon if I broke through during this era of Man United I’d be a first team regular.
“[At] Wing back. Not saying I’d play every game, but I’d be a first team regular probs squad player,” he said.
When pushed on his comments, Mitchell admitted he wouldn’t stand a chance at getting back into the United team now given his time away from the top level of the game.
“No not now [it] would take me too long to adapt. When your [sic] 20 and in a Premier League environment the amount you learn in such a short period is vast as well as the facilities etc.” he added.
Despite the undoubted dip in the levels at United in recent years, Mitchell would still have found himself fighting against the likes of Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw and Harry Amass who has impressed in his handful of opportunities this season.
Mitchell made his debut for United in a 2-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on the last day of the 2016/17 season under the guidance of Jose Mourinho.
However, after a couple of loan spells at Hearts he left United for Blackpool on a permanent deal in the summer of 2020.
He has since joined Exeter on a two year deal in 2023 but is yet to be offered a new contract St. James Park leaving his future in doubt for next season and beyond.
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Conner Botterill
Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
