Chong needs more time to shine, says Werder boss
WERDER Bremen head of football and scouting Clemens Fritz has urged for patience with Tahith Chong.
The Dutch winger moved on loan to the Bundesliga club from United in the summer but he has struggled to make much of an impact so far - despite scoring on his debut in the German Cup in September.
While Chong has made nine league appearances, six of those are from the bench, and he also conceded a penalty against Stuttgart last weekend in what was his first start for over a month.
Yet Fritz says there needs to be patience over the 21-yearold’s performances.
The Bremen official also felt he could see improvement in Chong’s defensive qualities.
He said: “Don’t forget that he’s a young player. We should give him a little time.
“He is dangerous because of his speed and his one-on-one behaviour, which is incredibly valuable to us.
“We see a development there. It’s going in the right direction.”
Fritz says it remains to be seen whether his side will seek an extension to the season-long loan deal they agreed with Chong in the summer, however.
He said: “It’s too early for that.”
Chong signed a new contract until 2022 in March on the basis that he would be allowed to leave the club on loan this season.
While he has made a handful of appearances for United, he has struggled for regular firstteam football at his boyhood club so far.
Chong has started four games in all competitions for United, with 12 further appearances off the bench since his debut in January 2019.