Hannibal Mejbri has enjoyed a Manchester United first team breakthrough over the past fortnight.
Last night he further consolidated himself as a first team star with a strong performance in a 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace.
Hannibal Mejbri was widely acclaimed for his battling performance away at Turf Moor as Manchester United beat Burnley 1-0 at the weekend.
He was rewarded with his first ever first team start at Old Trafford last night, and he did well across the 90 minutes.
READ: Nine things we learned as Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 3-0
Hannibal performance praised
Hannibal played all 71 minutes before being substituted for Donny van de Beek, who was making his first appearance of the season.
Hannibal has overtaken Van de Beek, and last night his excellent display underlined why.
The challenge for Hannibal was being booked in the first half. He had to tread the line and avoid a second.
He completed 85 per cent of his passes, making three ball recoveries, and one interception. He was in the six-yard box for United’s opener, with the cross just evading him, with Alejandro Garnacho slamming the shot home.
MUTV pundit Danny Webber praised the Tunisian international’s performance, commenting: “He’s got a lot of courage, the way he plays football, willing to make mistakes. He puts his foot in, not scared of anybody he comes up against.
“He’s got a lot of spirit in the middle of the park. We saw it again tonight, a real maturity coming into his game. I like watching him, a lot of maturity in his play.
“He’s gone away on loan, come back, showing a real level of intelligence to his play, got fight, a bit of nastiness when he needs to have it.”
Hannibal in contention to start at weekend
Erik ten Hag has a tough selection decision to make this weekend. His midfield no longer picks itself.
Sofyan Amrabat could play there if he is not needed at full-back, while Mason Mount’s strong 45 minutes could see him start.
Hannibal has a chance. Webber added on MUTV’s post-game coverage: “He’s thrown his name in the hat, he’s performed at a good level.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
