Erik ten Hag hails ‘perfect’ Hannibal Mejbri after rare start for Manchester United | Football

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Hannibal Mejbri impressed for Manchester United at Burnley (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said Hannibal Mejbri did a ‘perfect job’ as the 20-year-old played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over Burnley on Saturday night.

The Tunisia international made just his second Premier League start in the clash with the Clarets, alongside Casemiro and Scott McTominay in midfield.

A Bruno Fernandes volley was the difference between the sides as his spectacular strike was the only goal in a 1-0 win for Ten Hag’s men, but it was Mejbri that the Dutchman had fulsome praise for after the match.

On the string of injuries that have led to Mejbri getting a start, Ten Hag said: ‘Of course it’s a concern. You have so many injuries. You bring players in like [Rasmus] Holjund and you can’t bring them in slowly. They’re not used to playing together. Like Hannibal who did a perfect job.

‘Hopefully it gives us confidence. It’s only one win. Tuesday is the next game.’

Ten Hag added on Hojlund and first Mejbri: ‘Brought energy in the team but the pressing from Rasmus Hojlund was very good. We controlled the game in that spell.’

There were good performances from the youngsters, but also a grizzled veteran as Jonny Evans was an unlikely star of the show for the Red Devils.

After his surprise return to the club over the summer, the 35-year-old was in the starting XI due to injury problems and was impressive.

He was unlucky to have a goal disallowed, then turned provider as he aimed a brilliant long pass to set-up Fernandes’ superb volley.

Safe to say the Northern Irishman enjoyed his first Manchester United start since 2015, saying it was the best night of his life.

Burnley FC v Manchester United - Premier League

Evans filled in alongside Victor Lindelof at centre-back for Manchester United at Burnley (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I loved every minute of it,’ he said. ‘Before the game you get a feeling, I couldn’t wait, just pure excitement. Coming up here on the bus I was buzzing. That was my 200th game for Man Utd, I never thought I would ever reach that figure – the best night of my life.’

Ten Hag said of the centre-back: ‘He showed personality. He was calm, composed, did everything right. Very good performance.’


MORE : Erik ten Hag responds to Sergio Reguilon injury fears after Manchester United win at Burnley


MORE : Spectacular Bruno Fernandes strike edges Manchester United past Burnley

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