Ralf Rangnick was reportedly 'unimpressed' with Hannibal Mejbri's fiery cameo in Manchester United's 4-0 defeat to Liverpool last month.
The 19-year-old replaced Anthony Elanga in the final six minutes at Anfield and got himself about the pitch, diving into tackles with Liverpool's seasoned pros.
Hannibal was booked for his troubles but made an impression on United fans after a drab display from the first-team regulars.
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ESPN have now claimed interim manager Rangnick wasn't happy with the 'reckless and erratic' performance which could've seen Hannibal sent off.
The Tunisia international hasn't featured in a United squad since and it's believed he's been 'banished' back to the U23s as a punishment.
Alejandro Garnacho and Alvaro Fernandez are the two academy players who now regularly take a place on the Old Trafford bench.
Both were unused substitutes in Monday's 3-0 win over Brentford.
While Hannibal's performance may not have been a positive to those in and around the club, United legend Gary Neville praised the youngster on Sky Sports.
He remarked while on commentary: "To be fair at least the kid's showing something. Honestly, it takes a young kid to come on and show the rest of them how to sprint to the ball and put a challenge in. I'm actually proud of him.
"Maybe he doesn't like the idea of Liverpool passing around him, I wish the others were the same."
Hannibal went for Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita while refusing to let Andy Robertson get the better of him.
Neville would later clarify his remarks regarding the midfielder.
"I erred on to the slightly unprofessional side of commentary tonight when I said that the kid [Mejbri]… I was proud of him because he was going around trying to top people and trying to kick people," he admitted back in the studio.
"But he demonstrated something, he showed something.
"He didn't like the idea of Liverpool, at Anfield, passing it around him and the idea of Liverpool taking the mick out of him and his team-mates.
"At least he demonstrated something. I am not saying it is brilliant because he could have hurt the Liverpool players, but as a United fan you can respond to that."
United return to action on Saturday evening against Brighton.
Topics: Manchester United, Ralf Rangnick, Premier League, Liverpool
Daniel Marland