Nemanja Matic sends message to Erik ten Hag over 'fantastic' Man Utd starlet

Nemanja Matic has hailed ‘fantastic’ Hannibal Mejbri and says the Manchester United starlet can thrive under Erik ten Hag next season.

Mejbri, 19, has been a regular at United first-team training since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of the year.

The Tunisia international has been included in four of Ralf Rangnick’s last seven matchday squads and will hope to kick on next term under incoming manager Ten Hag.

Mejbri made his second senior appearance for the Red Devils against Liverpool last month and received praise for his combative cameo by club legend Gary Neville.

Matic, who has announced he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season, is a big admirer of Mejbri and wants to see him get more minutes under Ten Hag.

‘I have to say that Hannibal is a fantastic player and a great character,’ Matic told United’s official website. ‘The talent he has, he needs to use that. I really want to see him in the future and how he will grow.

‘I hope to see him get more minutes. I think that every time I see him in training, he surprises me with his quality, he’s still young, but I’m very excited.

‘I really want to see how he’s growing and improving.’

Mejbri was named Manchester United’s U23 Player of the Year last season and is rated highly by coaches at Old Trafford.

Matic, meanwhile, has sent a parting message to United’s fans as he prepares to make his last appearance for the club.

The Serbian midfielder has spent five seasons at Old Trafford, making 189 appearances in all competitions. He was bid farewell to the club on Sunday when United face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

‘I just want to say thank you for the fantastic support,’ Matic said.

‘United has some fantastic people that are working for the club. They are behind the cameras but they are very important for the team. They really like the club and that’s good.

‘I’m really happy that I had the opportunity to work with them and, for sure, they will be my friends forever.’

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