Paul Scholes gives verdict on Hannibal Mejbri at Manchester United

Paul Scholes has questioned whether a strong work rate is enough for Hannibal Mejbri to succeed at Manchester United.

Hannibal was handed his first Champions League start in Tuesday's game against Galatasaray at Old Trafford, coming in as the sole change for Facundo Pellistri. The 20-year-old has broken into the first-team picture with a number of energetic performances this season, impressing manager Erik ten Hag.

That energy has been much-needed in a United midfield lacking legs in the early part of the campaign, particularly during a period that saw Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount both injured. But while Scholes appreciates his industry, the former Reds midfielder is unsure whether that is enough for a regular place in the starting line-up.

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"I like him, he did play in the Championship last season but he’s come into the squad, scored a few goals in the last couple of matches and played well against Burnley," Scholes told TNT Sports. "He’ll give you everything.

"He’s more of a No.8/No.10, I suppose, and he has a strike on him. But is giving everything enough at this level? It could be tonight because there’s players around him that can play, so he’ll do just fine. It’s a big night for him so I’m sure he’ll be enthusiastic about it."

Hannibal has impressed during the first few weeks of the season and scored his first senior goal for the club in a 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton. The Tunisian is out of contract in the summer but a 12-month extension is expected to be activated.

The Manchester Evening News understands that Hannibal's future is not an immediate issue but United do plan to