Kobbie Mainoo is finally breaking into the Manchester United first team but what happened to the other midfielder who has impressed this season?
During the rocky months of September and October, Manchester United were in a bit of a pickle. Casemiro couldn’t be relied upon and Scott McTominay was not in contention due to his desire to leave the club.
Their midfield, in particular, looked to be struggling and there was no sign of summer signing Mason Mount due to a muscle injury he suffered in August.
Erik ten Hag made the brave decision of bringing in a teenager who has certainly had to wait for his chances in the United first team.
Hannibal’s performances
Hannibal Mejbri scored a rocket from the bench against Brighton and Hove Albion before the Tunisian midfielder was handed a rare start against Vincent Kompany’s Burnley at Turf Moor and thoroughly impressed.
The midfielder impressed and looked to have staked a claim for a first-team spot after an impressive performance in Lancashire with Sofascore awarding Mejbri a 7.2 for his efforts.
Mejbri was playing as the number 10 with Bruno Fernandes, who scored the stunning volley to win the game, lining up on the right wing.
The Tunisian then featured against Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup before starting at home against Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Mejbri dovetailing with Mount, who came back from injury, really worked in the first half against the Turkish side but the wheels came off in the second half as the visitors grew into the contest.
Since then his only start was against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, and a lively cameo against Everton as a substitute at the end of November.
Mejbri’s last six performances for United via Sofascore
- 6.6 vs Everton
- 6.5 vs Newcastle United
- 6.5 vs Galatasaray
- 6.4 vs Crystal Palace
- 7.2 vs Burnley
- 7.4 vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Ten Hag’s unfair treatment of midfielder
There is no question now that the engine room at Old Trafford is struggling. Kobbie Mainoo has been brilliant but at just 18 years of age, he can’t do it all on his own.
McTominay has scored goals for the Red Devils but he hasn’t looked like the solid presence United have needed in the engine room.
Starting Hannibal alongside Mainoo would certainly be a risk but the season is at risk of slipping into oblivion anyway so perhaps it’s time to start the Tunisian again, and find a system to get him into the side.
Manchester United’s midfield was overrun against Newcastle, and an extra man was needed, whether that was Hannibal, or Sofyan Amrabat, Erik ten Hag should have altered his tactics.
There is no question the youngster has been unfairly treated by Ten Hag, and the hope will be the Dutchman will acknowledge his error and give Mejbri more game time in the first team over the coming weeks.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/W4pwlea