Tahith Chong in action for United at Old Trafford.

Watch Tahith Chong's first interview with MUTV

Wednesday 21 March 2018 13:00

Tahith Chong is not getting carried away with his excellent form this season, despite making a real impression since his elevation into the Manchester United Under-23 side.

The promising 18-year-old scored against Tottenham Hotspur on his Reserves debut at Old Trafford and has followed it up with more eye-catching performances.

For the teenager, who was born in Curacao but represents the Netherlands at international level, he is just delighted to be back playing again.

A knee operation was required last season after he was injured in an Under-18s fixture with Everton, but he has been outstanding since returning to full fitness.

"Obviously it's good playing for the Reserves, coming back from the injury as well," he told MUTV in his first televised interview. "It’s been good to play a couple of games for the Under-23s but I’m still happy if the Under-18s, or anyone, needs me to play with them as well.

"Honestly, you miss it when you get injured so I'm just happy to be back after obviously being out for 10 months. I'm enjoying my football at the moment, that's the most important thing, just enjoying it now."

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Hit the 'play' button to watch Tahith Chong's first major interview with MUTV

Expanding on his recent injury, Chong says: "When you know you're out for 10 months, you've just got to get on with it and do the work, while still enjoying that as well. Even when I got injured, my team-mates, straight away, and the staff, were just brilliant. That made it much easier for me and my family as well, it made it a lot easier.

"I just tried to do all the recovery and tried to do everything right, as the staff were instructing me to do. I just tried to do all the work to come back as strong as possible. Looking back, it was a year ago now and it's gone quickly. But, when I was injured, it felt like a long time. I’m just happy to be back now."

Tahith Chong has been impressive in the Under-23s, Under-19s and Under-18s since returning from injury

The next challenge for Chong is staying grounded in the face of such positive feedback about his performances, but he seems to have the right attitude and was honest when asked if he needs to keep his feet on the floor.

"That's the most important thing," he states. "As I've said, I'm just enjoying football at the moment so I'm just playing my football and will keep working hard. I'll take it from there.

"I want to keep playing games, hopefully I'll keep getting them in the Under-23s and the Under-18s are doing well, top of the table, so, if they need me as well for whenever, I'll be there as well. Everyone at the club will help me. It's just how the club is built. Having my family around as well makes it a lot easier.

"Character is important and I've just got to keep working hard and doing my job. I'll take it game by game."