Erik ten Hag singles out ill star and hints at new Man Utd prodigy after win

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Sergio Reguilon was playing ill during Saturday’s 1-0 win against Burnley . The Red Devils returned to winning ways at Turf Moor, but Reguilon’s second-half withdrawal sparked fears that Ten Hag’s injury woes had worsened. Bruno Fernandes’ sensational strike on the brink of half-time ended a three-game losing streak and returned United to the win column after a dismal few weeks. The provider of his goal, Jonny Evans, started as a result of the club’s unprecedented injury crisis that saw none of Ten Hag’s first-choice defence start against Burnley. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are all absent, joining other key names on the sidelines. Reguilon arrived on loan from Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day in response to Shaw and Malacia’s problems, so concerns spiked when Raphael Varane replaced him in the 79th minute. But after full-time, Ten Hag confirmed that the Spaniard wasn’t injured but ill, and requested to play through it amid United’s availability dilemma. He told TNT Sports: “Reguilon was ill – and that says a lot about the character and the spirit that this team wants to show. He wanted to play. He wanted to support and contribute to the team.” Sergio Reguilon was substituted in the win. (Image: Getty) Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad, Jadon Sancho and Antony are also currently out of contention, opening up opportunities in midfield. Ten Hag handed Hannibal Mejbri his first start of the season after impressing in his substitute appearance against Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend, netting his first senior goal for the club. And the Dutchman was delighted with Hannibal’s performance in United’s midfield diamond alongside Casemiro, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes. “Of course, it’s a concern. You have so many injuries. You bring players in like Hojlund, and you can’t bring them in slowly,” Ten Hag added. Hannibal Mejbri could become a regular starter. (Image: Getty)