Opinion: Ten Hag ruthless decision to axe star paid off, his relentless replacement was upgrade

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Christian Eriksen was a massive issue for Erik ten Hag against Bayern Munich, so a change was needed at Burnley.

In midfield against Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich, Christian Eriksen was almost invisible. This meaning the German side bypassed him with ease time-after-time.

Manchester United in fact had lost the last three games that saw a Eriksen and Casemiro pivot. But now it seems to have been determined that the Danish midfielder just doesn’t have the legs for it anymore.

This led to his replacement ahead of the Burnley game at Turf Moor, as 20-year-old Hannibal Mejbri came into the starting line-up.

Clearly the decision from Erik ten Hag paid off, with Hannibal among those nominated for the man of the match award.

Hannibal was top class

Hannibal Mejbri is a name we will likely now be seeing on the team sheet weekly. He was among the best on the pitch against Burnley and his stats tell that very story.

The Tunisian international boasted a 91% pass accuracy to demonstrate how safe he is in possession.

He had 34 touches, which was a lot considering United were struggling to have possession.

Additionally to this, he made two key passes, one of which a beautiful outside of the boost through ball to Marcus Rashford.

However the main reason he has impressed is his off-ball qualities, Hannibal was a workhorse in midfield and made seven recoveries along with winning three ground duels.

It is that which sets him apart from Eriksen.

Ousts Eriksen from the starting line-up

With Hannibal impressing after weeks of a disappointing Eriksen, he could have cemented the Danish international’s fate as a bench player.

Eriksen was a brilliant player and was top class for United last season, but this campaign has seen his legs completely gone which makes him an easy target for opposition.

The difference between him and Hannibal is night and day, with the latter bringing the “energy to the midfield, some power” to midfield, which Ten Hag spoke of wanting pre-game on TNT Sports.

All we can say for now though is wow Hannibal, and we hope he continues to get the chance to thrive.