The Tunisian international started in the midfield with Casemiro and Scott McTominay in only his second Premier League game.

Ten Hag’s team prevailed 1-0 thanks to a magnificent volley from Bruno Fernandes, but the Dutch coach had nothing but admiration for Mejbri after the game.

‘Of course it’s a problem,’ Ten Hag said of the string of injuries that has led to Mejbri earning the start. You’ve been hurt a lot. It’s impossible to ease in new players like [Rasmus] Holjund. They don’t usually interact as a group in play. Just like Hannibal, who did an excellent job, this should boost our confidence. Just one triumph will do. Our next match is on Tuesday.

‘Brought energy in the team, but the pressing from Rasmus Hojlund was extremely good,’ Ten Hag said of Hojlund and, first, Mejbri. For a while there, we had complete game control.

The Red Devils’ youthful players performed admirably, but an unlikely hero emerged in the form of veteran Jonny Evans.

The 35-year-old made an impressive return to the starting lineup after unexpectedly rejoining the club in the summer.

After having a goal disallowed, he turned provider by firing a wonderful long pass in the direction of the goal, where it was met by a spectacular volley by Fernandes.

The Northern Irishman, who hadn’t started for Manchester United since 2015, declared it the “best night of my life” after receiving his first start in nearly three years.

“I enjoyed every second of it,” he exclaimed. I couldn’t wait for the game to start; the anticipation was killing me. I was elated on the bus ride up here. That was the greatest night of my life, playing in my 200th game for Manchester United.

‘He showed personality,’ Ten Hag observed of the center back. He maintained his composure and did the right thing. Wow, it was amazing!