A young Manchester United side fell to defeat against Wrexham in a pre-season friendly in the USA.
Wrexham won the game 3-1 against an under-21 Manchester United side. It was a tough night for the youngsters, with Erik ten Hag describing the performance as ‘erratic’.
Marc Jurado scored Manchester United’s goal, after an assist from Alvaro Fernandez. But aside from that, it was not a game full of highlights which the youngsters will be clipping together.
The young player who came out of the game with the most credit was Hannibal Mejbri, who dropped down from the senior squad, having sat out the game against Arsenal.
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Hannibal praised
Tunisia international Hannibal was one of the few players to play all 90 minutes and he was lively throughout, trying to create chances and competing well.
He scored highest in Andy Mitten’s player ratings for The National with 8/10. He wrote of Hannibal, ‘Central to much of United’s positive play and the best Manchester United player by far.’
Statistical numbers via SofaScore showed Hannibal won 13 of 16 duels he contested in total, and completed 46 of 54 pass attempts.
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He made three successful tackles and was picked out for praise by Wrexham stopper and former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Foster told The United Stand: “I thought Hannibal was brilliant. There’s something that winds you up but I love it.
“He’s that animal, he’s driven, I was very impressed with him.”
Manchester United played much of the game with 10 men after Dan Gore was sent off early in the second half.
Not all positive for Hannibal
It was not all positive for Hannibal on a night where Manchester United slipped to defeat. He may reflect on his role in Wrexham’s second goal.
He was marking Aaron Hayden for the set piece which led to the defender scoring a header, just losing his man.
MUTV pundit Danny Webber noted: “If you allow him to go, there will only be one winner.”
These are small details in matches which can go a long way, and may have been noted by Erik ten Hag, countering the positives the young midfielder brings to the table.