Timothy Fosu-Mensah was handed a rare starting place in Manchester United's XI for their must-win clash against Crystal Palace on Thursday evening.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made the surprising decision to go with Fosu-Mensah over Diogo Dalot at left-back – with it being the defender's first start for the club since May 2017.
But Fosu-Mensah put in a solid display as United kept up their ambitions of playing in the Champions League next season with a 2-0 victory.
Fosu-Mensah was filling in for the injured Luke Shaw, who had been ruled out with an ankle injury.
Solskjaer was adamant the club's academy graduate was ready to face his former club, where he spent a year on loan.
Solskjaer said before Thursday's game: 'Timothy's [Fosu-Mensah] been waiting for his chance. He played a couple of reserve games. He'll be ready.'
Goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial gave United victory as they kept the pressure on Chelsea and Leicester for the final Champions League qualification spot.
maycmoruz
121
I remember this guy when gave Lorey Sane a taugh time on the left wing while he was on loan at Palace. Sane became frustrated that night n Guardiola had to swap him to the rght wing. Am happy to see that he's fit again n playing in our famous red shirt
Phantom8802
72
Fosu Mensah played really well against Crystal Palace.... For a player who has not started for United in over a year he was very sharp... But frankly speaking we missed Luke Shaw yesterday... Fosu Mensah was defensively sound but he didn't provide those runs which Luke Shaw provides....I feel CDM is a more suitable position for Fosu Mensah and I think with a little more training he can be the ideal replacement for Matic in the future... But I still feel we should look in the market this summer for a young CDM that can replace Matic cause frankly speaking I don't Mctominay is a good CDM... I think Mctominay is more of a box to box midfielder
flourishing222
47
he did really well yesterday, I never expected that. and I'm so happy for the win.
ditbdlnyz
17
I saw him as guy who can be converted as a defensive midfielder cos his ability of dispossesing from our opponents is just very impressive and he is calmed even though he made most of his passes backwards cos he can't push front on the left side with a right foot.. But his confidence is just amazing