The Man Utd manager was quizzed about work-rate after Wednesday's defeat at Bayern Munich and made a point of bringing it up again on Saturday.
Erik ten Hag's decision to start Hannibal Mejbri at Burnley on Saturday evening came as a surprise to many but the 20-year-old's energy was crucial in helping secure a 1-0 win.
"We brought some energy in the team," Ten Hag explained after full-time of his decision to give the Tunisian his first start since May 2022. "The pressing of Rasmus Hojlund and Hannibal, the togetherness, how they start the moments of the pressing, the timing was very good. During Wednesday's 4-3 Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich, McTominay was criticised by supporters for not tracking back after losing the ball to Dayot Upamecano. The Reds man had only been on the pitch for 10 minutes but looked leggy, and defensive work-rate was at the centre of Ten Hag's post-match analysis.
McTominay's history at United would suggest lack of effort was not the issue against Bayern and Ten Hag was keen to stress that failures in tracking back were a concentration issue, rather than a commitment one. But that won't make it okay in the manager's eyes.
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