Ten Hag must now unleash Man Utd’s “phenomenal” talent
After facing a string of defeats ten Hag now has to try some gambles to his current playing XI, one such surprising talent is Hannibal Mejbri. The promising youngster has shown immense potential this season starting a couple of times for United and has already found the net once in his two appearances.
Following the surrender of a 2-0 advantage to Copenhagen, the team not only relinquished that lead but also let slip a 3-2 advantage, their confidence is at an all-time low.
Erik ten Hag finds himself in a high-pressure situation, and a home fixture against the team currently positioned 17th in the league offers a prime opportunity to secure three crucial points before the upcoming international break interrupts the season.
United squad update vs Luton Town
Ten Hag has confirmed that defender Jonny Evans will be missing for the clash against the Hatters today, saying:
“So we don’t have, at this moment, the full assessment and all the details but, tomorrow, he is out.”
This could allow Raphael Varane to come back into the starting lineup having made a substitute appearance in midweek.
Additional players currently sidelined due to injuries include Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia. The Dutchman might face some challenges in determining his starting XI.
Hannibal Mejbri should be included in the first XI for the upcoming clash. The 20-year-old will be aiming to make just his second Premier League start of the season – and third in total – having made appearances against Brighton and Hove Albion (grabbing a goal) and Burnley.
Hannibal Mejbri this season
The 5-foot-10 maverick showcased versatility by featuring as an attacking midfielder or on the right wing in his appearances this season.
Considering Antony’s current form, marked by a lack of goals or assists in 2023/24, there might be an opportunity for Ten Hag to experiment by deploying him on the flanks and introducing a slight tactical variation.
The Tunisian starlet was hailed as “phenomenal” by Birmingham City manager John Eustace during his excellent loan spell last term, where he registered five assists and scored once, along with creating six big chances and averaging 0.9 key passes per game, showcasing his impressive talent.
Although playing just twice in the top flight during 2023/24, the 20-year-old has averaged one key pass per game, taken 0.5 shots per game, and completed 93% of his passes each match, proving that he can be creative whilst also controlling possession for United.
Ten Hag must explore alternatives and depart from an approach that is evidently ineffective. Luton, having conceded 21 goals in the ongoing campaign, marking the fourth-worst record in the top flight, could provide an opportunity for the Red Devils to capitalize on this vulnerability by introducing promising young talent like Mejbri, potentially opening the door for several goals.
Players like Antony and Marcus Rashford, with the latter having only scored one goal so far, are falling short of Ten Hag’s expectations.
Entrusting young talents throughout the squad might bring about a positive change, although it undeniably poses a significant risk for the former Ajax boss.
Despite having seemingly exhausted other options, the manager’s decision to unleash Mejbri could potentially turn out to be a masterstroke.
