Erik ten Hag says Hannibal has been impressing in training

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Erik ten Hag has told a press conference in Perth that he has been impressed by teenager Hannibal in training.

Ten Hag was pictured having a one to one chat with the 19-year-old after training yesterday, appearing to be imparting some valuable advice.

Speaking to the media, quoted by the club’s website, Ten Hag said Hannibal has stood out for positive reasons behind the scenes.

Ten Hag said: “Hannibal plays some minutes now, I think he did quite well in training as well, he makes a good impression.”

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Hannibal has been impressing in training

Hannibal played his first minutes of tour against Crystal Palace as a substitute, but had to do so playing as a striker, with United lacking options behind Anthony Martial.

Competition for midfield places is crowded, and Hannibal will hope to get minutes in a preferred deeper role in United’s remaining three friendly games.

Ten Hag was also asked about James Garner, whose tour has been hit by injury. He is now back in training, but the manager says he needs more time to assess him.

He said: “James Garner just integrated in training this week so I haven’t seen him, I don’t have a full impression, I want to see more and then we will make decisions.”

The manager also warned that while the friendly matches have shown reason for encouragement with United’s youngsters, with Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage particularly impressive, he knows the season ahead will be a lot tougher for them when competitive matches begin.

He is assessing who will be able to help him in the year ahead as he formulates his plans for the coming campaign.

Ten Hag explained: “”I think they do well but I also know the standards in the Premier League and European football are high.

“It’s always about ‘are they ready to contribute, are they conscious of their situations’. I have to approve and I will take my decisions. They have potential some of them, that is quite clear.”