Young talent Hannibal Mejbri overshadowed debutant Mason Mount who was making his Manchester United bow against Leeds.
The Tunisia international was named as a starter in a makeshift midfield alongside new signing Mount and Kobbie Mainoo.
The trio ran the show in the first half, with Hannibal creating chances, winning tackles, and picking up a booking for good measure.
Fresh off a loan spell at Birmingham, Hannibal returned full of enthusiasm and seemed determined to take his chance in this first friendly match of the summer, linking up effectively with Amad.
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Manchester United result
Manchester United ended up winning the game 2-0, with goals scored by Noam Emeran after an assist from Isak Hansen-Aaroen.
Emeran then set up a goal for Joe Hugill to double Manchester United’s lead.
It was goalless at half-time, when Manchester United made wholesale changes, with Hannibal part of the XI substituted after 45 minutes.
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Reaction to Hannibal performance
Manchester United fans were impressed by Hannibal’s display, in which he almost opened the scoring, seeing a shot saved after Amad created a chance.
Hannibal secures US tour spot
Hannibal’s performance was enough to surely book his spot on the plane to the US for the main leg of the club’s pre-season tour.
This will involve games against Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
Erik ten Hag will have wanted to take a closer look at him and this performance offered enough reason to be intrigued about what he can offer.
Whether Hannibal ultimately ends up going out on loan again, may depend on who arrives and who leaves later in the transfer window.
This was a step in the right direction for him, playing 45 minutes in a roving role in midfield, where he got to show a bit of quality on the ball and his hard work without it. Not enough to secure a first team spot next season, but enough to warrant a further look.