Erik ten Hag highlights how Hannibal Mejbri helped Man United star change specific tactic vs Burnley

Erik ten Hag has praised a specific part of Hannibal Mejbri and Rasmus Højlund’s performances as Manchester United defeated Burnley in the Premier League.

Manchester United secured their first victory in four games, defeating Burnley by a 1-0 scoreline at Turf Moor on Saturday evening.

It was the captain, Bruno Fernandes, who scored the only goal for Erik ten Hag‘s side, with Jonny Evans, who had a goal ruled out for offside earlier in the fixture, producing a beautiful assist.

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However, Ten Hag has highlighted another duo who impressed him with their pressing tactics.

Hannibal Mejbri earned his first start for the team on Saturday, playing for 90 minutes in an attacking midfield role, and his combination with Rasmus Højlund, with the two players pressing from the front, impressed the boss.

He brought energy into the team,” Ten Hag said post-game when asked about his thoughts on Mejbri’s performance.

“I thought the pressing from Rasmus Højlund and Hannibal, their togetherness, how they start the moments of the pressing and the timing, it was very good together with Bruno (Fernandes).

“I think we controlled the game because they started the pressing so well, and once they got beaten there was a recovery and Hannibal did that very good.”

So far in his short United career to date, Højlund has often been pressing from the front by himself, with Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford often too isolated to effectively help him.

Hannibal’s energy and central position, however, helped Højlund press much more effectively as they were able to cover much more ground as a duo rather than have Højlund press an entire back line by himself, which will only aid both the player and Ten Hag in their ball recovery.