Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised Hannibal Mejbri after he handed him his first start for the club in the 1-0 win over Burnley on Saturday evening.
The Tunisian international worked his socks off throughout the 90 minutes and ten Hag singled him out for doing a “perfect job” at Turf Moor.
Fans on Twitter were equally enthusiastic about Mejbri’s performance, with some hoping that he keeps his place for the doubleheader coming up against Crystal Palace:
Tbh, he was brilliant
— P E N D E R E S 👑🔴 (@MrPenderes) September 23, 2023
Will start next game for sure
— Rich🟪🐸 (@Philiphcrown) September 23, 2023
He’s provided the manager with a good headache. I’m sure we will see him start the next game.
— UTDRiddler (@UTDRiddler) September 23, 2023
Yes. He was a box to box midfielder. Was everywhere and never looked like slowing. Put a great shift and I won’t be surprised if he starts again next weekend vs Palace
— Miracle Nwoke (@MiracleNwoke94) September 23, 2023
He played like a proper red devil
— Gabriel🛸◽ (@itz_aicebrizzzy) September 23, 2023
Brought the energy and was very good
— Sam Halsey (@Samh147) September 23, 2023
Proper lad 🔥
— richter (@combatzknife) September 24, 2023
Mejbri takes his chance
Ten Hag did confirm that injuries were one of the main reasons why he was forced into picking Mejbri but the 20-year-old was clearly determined to make an impression.
It’s been a remarkable turnaround for the midfielder who could have left Old Trafford before the transfer window closed at the start of this month.
Sevilla were interested in loaning Mejbri but it has been reported that a late intervention from ten Hag led to him remaining in Manchester.
United need to build on a scrappy three points
After three consecutive defeats, the Red Devils just needed to get a result against Burnley, and they did just that, thanks to a spectacular volley from Bruno Fernandes. It wasn’t a pretty win but no one will be complaining.
Mejbri’s performance was certainly one of the main positives, along with Jonny Evans. The veteran defender played well in his first competitive start for United for 8 years.
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