Mitchell hopes for change of luck at United

Demi Mitchell is hoping for a change of fortune as he attempts to give Manchester United's Reserves side an attacking boost with Manchester City next on the agenda in Friday's Premier League 2 game at the Etihad Stadium.

The former England Under-17 international is back in action after a lengthy struggle with injury and scored the winner in the Reserves' only league victory at this early stage of the campaign, against Leicester City last month. As he feels stronger and more confident, Mitchell is keen to make his mark this season.

"I got into the Reserves squad but then I had an ankle injury and needed surgery," the lively attacker told MUTV. "I went to try to kick on from there but it kind of fell apart a bit when I came back. I didn't really feel the same player and had loads of months out. But I've got a good pre-season behind me and I'm again hoping to kick on.

"I thought when I came back, everything would just be the same but I was tired and didn't feel as strong. It took me quite a while before I started to find myself again. The injury happened again but, after a year, I've got a foundation behind me now. 

"It was a hard time and I didn't really know how to deal with it too well until I got back on the pitch. I damaged it again and thought I was injury prone but realised it was just a bit of bad luck. I'm feeling strong again and my ankle feels stable."

The 19-year-old was part of the England squad that won the Under-17 European Championship in 2014 and clearly has talent in abundance, wherever he is deployed.

"Personally, I feel I play best on the wing," Mitchell added. "Preferably the right wing as I like to cut in, dribble and shoot. But I even came on at left-back recently and felt comfortable there. 

"A few players in my position have left, like James Weir and Andreas Pereira (on loan), so I think it's a chance for me to get in the Reserves team, cement a place, try to progress this season and help the side. I hope to get a few goals and the team can kick on because we're lacking a few attacking options."

MUTV will show the full Demi Mitchell interview in the build-up to Friday's live Premier League 2 match against Manchester City. Coverage starts at 18:30 BST.