Erik ten Hag's change of approach with Manchester United youngster highlights tough reality

Hannibal Mejbri made just his second Premier League start for Manchester United against Burnley and although supporters didn't unveil a 'play you like mean it banner' until six weeks later, he did exactly that.

Hannibal ran 12.9 kilometres at Turf Moor, a record for a United player since they began gathering the data in 2019, and the youngster had also covered more distance than anyone else on the pitch.

That performance was rewarded with another start in the 3-0 demolition of Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and Erik ten Hag singled out Hannibal for praise in a press conference just a few days later.

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“I think he gives a very good message to the rest of the squad," said Ten Hag. "That this is the demand, this has to be the standard when you are playing in a position, what you have to bring to the team, to get success.

"Especially when you're playing against possession-based teams; he is a really good fit, to give a good contribution to a good performance and to the result. I don’t think [his adaptation has been] that quick.

"Before I came in here, he was already in the first team, he made his debut. Last year he was on loan and this year he is making progress. So that's why he deserved an opportunity and I think now he's taking that opportunity.

"Every time he has to improve and he had to give the evidence that he is worthy of playing. But that counts for everyone, every player in the squad. There are situations where players are ahead, but it's good that the internal competition is there.

"Hopefully it gives other players a push that they have to bring more, they have to add more. Because he