Bruno Fernandes returned from a three-match absence for Manchester United and ensured that his ex-teammate Hannibal Mejbri didn’t end up in trouble.
Manchester United were held 2-2 with Burnley to make it three consecutive draws in the Premier League.
Darren Fletcher knows that these kinds of results could prevent United from making the European places, with the team currently sitting seventh in the league table, but the former Scotland international must work on improving things for however long he remains in the dugout.
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One of the biggest positives from Wednesday night was the return of Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo. There was also space for Harry Maguire on the bench, but the experienced centre-back is waiting for his first appearance since November 8 when United drew 2-2 with Tottenham.
This means that Fletcher, or whoever United appoint as interim head coach, has more options to select from in defence and midfield. The only player missing due to injury is Matthijs de Ligt.
Bruno Fernandes protects Hannibal Mejbri from Manuel Ugarte
The trip to Burnley meant Hannibal Mejbri took on his former club United for the second time in his career.
Hannibal increased Burnley’s energy levels, but his decision-making let him down at times.
The 22-year-old was hooked by Scott Parker after a needless booking, and Fernandes had to jump to his safety to avoid a clash with United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Fernandes was seen pushing former teammate Hannibal away from Ugarte to protect him after the full-time whistle, with a video now circulating online.
Luke Shaw was seen getting involved to try to calm things down between the players, presumably issuing a word of warning not to aggravate Ugarte.
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Fernandes’ main focus was to ensure Ugarte didn’t get himself sent off after the match, but it also shows that he still has admiration for Hannibal, who has always been a fiery character on the pitch.
Hannibal Mejbri record as a Man Utd player
Hannibal came through United’s academy before he graduated as a first-team player.
The Tunisia international spent five years at Old Trafford, where he transitioned from a highly-regarded ‘wonderkid’ to a senior professional.
United signed Hannibal from AS Monaco in 2019 for a reported fee of £9.3 million when he was just 16 years old.
Hannibal made his senior debut against Wolves in May 2021, on the final day of the Premier League season. He went on to make a total of 13 appearances for United and scored one goal.
After two loan spells at Birmingham City and Sevilla, Hannibal joined Burnley in 2024 and is now a regular in Parker’s team.
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