20-year-old Manchester United whizkid ran more in one game than any Red Devils player has since 2019

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Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has made a big impact since breaking into the first team.

While Hannibal Mejbri made his Manchester United debut in 2021, it’s ‘for real’ this time.

The Tunisia international has started back to back games for the Red Devils, and it would not be a surprise if he was selected again versus Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend.

Hannibal has impressed in his last two starts, plus a goalscoring cameo against Brighton.

READ: Nine things we learned as Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 3-0

Hannibal running stats

According to Sky Sports, Hannibal ran 12.9 kilometres during Manchester United’s win over Burnley at the weekend.

Remarkably, it is reported this is more than any Manchester United player has run in a game since 2019.

It shows the commitment to the cause Hannibal brings with his endeavour, and notably, he is doing so in a very targeted way, rather than simply ‘running around’.

Sky reported that Hannibal made 104 pressures in Manchester United’s win over Brentford, more than any player in a Premier League game in 2023/24.

The 20-year-old midfielder has been the catalyst for United’s revival in recent games, embodying the energy Erik ten Hag wants from his whole team.

Hannibal work rate evident since pre-season

Hannibal spent last season on loan in the Championship at Birmingham City, where he really developed in terms of his work rate.

This was evident in the first 45 minutes he played in pre-season for Manchester United in Oslo against Leeds, when he ran back from his own half to deny the opponents a goal with a last ditch saving tackle.

He was praised by MUTV commentator David May, who said: “Brilliant, absolutely outstanding. It was a good opportunity for Leeds, without Hannibal getting back it was a simple tap-in probably, great tackle.”

It was a little surprising perhaps that it took Hannibal until mid-September to get his chance under Ten Hag, however, now he has got his opportunity, he has seized it.

Hannibal is playing like he has no intention of giving up his spot, and it shows. He deserves to keep his place.