Manchester United commenced their pre-season preparations in America by playing out a 1-1 draw with Club America on Thursday. With most of the key members of the Red Devils yet to return to camp after playing at this year's World Cup, a few youngsters were given a run.
One of the standout performers in the match was 19-year-old Tahith Chong. The winger, despite being introduced into the fray in the 60th minute, dazzled and impressed on the right-wing and served up a cross at one point which resulted in Juan Mata's equalizer.
However, despite showing glimpses of a player worthy of being the solution to Manchester United's right-wing shortcomings, Jose Mourinho believes the Dutch teenager is not yet ready for an active role in the senior team.
"I have plans to make him train the most possible times with us, because that increases his evolution," Mourinho said of Chong at his post-match presser.
"But he has to play where he belongs, he has to play in the academy and develop physically, because physically is where he's not ready.
"Technically, he's very good, tactically he understands the game and he understands his position, but by the physical point of view, when the game gets into contact situations, he's in trouble, he's fragile, he's still a kid.
"But the talent is there, the personality is there, the passion to play, the humility to learn, so this is a fantastic experience for him. It depends on some cup matches. He's one of the good kids we have, but it's not for today but for the tomorrow – he's a good kid."
This has since not gone down well with some fans on social media who do not have doubts about the readiness of the youngster. Here a few reactions one Twitter:
Tahith Chong's biggest problem is that Jose Mourinho is his manager...
— Damian (@FootballFact101) July 20, 2018
No idea if Chong is good enough or ready but what Mourinho says about him not being up to it physically? Not having that he's weaker than Mata, and at least he can run.
— Daniel Harris (@DanielHarris) July 20, 2018
Mourinho saying chong isn't physically ready hahahahaha fast can play both wide positions good footwork and runs at full backs not to mention he's crosses . Because he's not a 6foot 2 tree he won't play this season
— Trafford 7 legend (@trafford7legend) July 20, 2018
So Chong has physical limitations according to Mourinho...
— MOURINHO OUT (@MOYESOUT4EVER) July 20, 2018
Errrrm ok Jose ... seems fine to me pic.twitter.com/nw1xHSmx5P
If Mourinho can find the minutes to give to McTominay, surely he can find room for Gomes and Chong this season.
— The Football Writer (@ZeFutbolWriter) July 20, 2018
Chong is too exciting of a player for Mourinho's dinosaur football
— MOURINHO OUT (@MOYESOUT4EVER) July 20, 2018
With Mourinho around I hope Chong and Gomez are not anywhere near the first team. He will break their confidence and will make everyone believe than they r not good enough.
— Judas Yogi (@Anpad_Admi) July 20, 2018
i seriously cannot believe Mourinho thinks Chong isn't strong enough for the PL first of all you cant touch players these days withput the ref blowing his whistle and has he seen the size of Giggs and Best when they broke through there was more meat on a pencil!
— Gary (@GDubya8131) July 20, 2018
Didn't like that Mourinho said Chong has everything but he's a kid and isn't physically ready. I bet Mbappe coach didn't say that about him.get em in there and let them prove themselves they'll grow quicker. #MUFC
— MUFC UNITED Si (@MUFC_UNITED_Si) July 20, 2018
The good news for Tahith Chong is that Jose Mourinho may not be here @ManUtd in three years time! #MUFC
— (@DeGeaGK) July 20, 2018