Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag admits Hannibal Mejbri can quickly become a key influence on the team.

Ten Hag has discussed Mejbri's strengths ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

“I think he gives a very good message to the rest of the squad," Ten Hag enthused, "that this is the demand, this has to be the standard when you are playing in a position, what you have to bring to the team, to get success.

"Especially when you're playing against possession-based teams; he is a really good fit, to give a good contribution to a good performance and to the result.

"I don't think [his adaptation has been] that quick. Before I came in here, he was already in the first team, he made his debut. Last year he was on loan and this year he is making progress.

"So that's why he deserved an opportunity and I think now he's taking that opportunity. Every time he has to improve and he had to give the evidence that he is worthy of playing. But that counts for everyone, every player in the squad.

“There are situations where players are ahead, but it's good that the internal competition is there and hopefully it gives other players a push that they have to bring more, they have to add more. Because he did a great job for the team, he really contributed to our levels in the last two games."

On the midfielder's selection, Ten Hag added: "I don't look at status. I look to the performance players are bringing.

"But of course, players, they have credits, but not too long. Every time, let's say this - you are only as good as your last game. When you don't bring the performance a couple of games in a row, then it's possible players can take over your position, but also for them, they have to show it.

"But I am not a manager who has concerns about bringing young players in - in the first two games of the season, I started Garnacho."