Erik's view on Hannibal's cameo

The Tunisia international lashed a speculative drive past Jason Steele and tried to fire up the home crowd, even though his strike proved a mere consolation in the end, as the Seagulls retained their 3-1 advantage in the closing stages.

It represented a maiden United first-team goal for the 20-year-old, who got off the mark at senior level with a clever free-kick for Birmingham City during his loan spell with the Midlanders last term. 

Speaking to MUTV's Stewart Gardner afterwards, Ten Hag was pleased with what he saw from the youngster, who played with spark and passion.

"He did what we brought him [on] for, having an impact and bringing energy," said the boss. "He did it. I think there were more individuals, like Diogo Dalot, [who] played very well, and Marcus Rashford had moments. Rasmus Hojlund was a threat all the time. We had some good players on the pitch. 

"We were unlucky, unfortunate. We didn't get what we were looking for and that was the result."

After Hannibal's first outing of the 2023/24 season, the Academy product will hope to be in the travelling squad for the UEFA Champions League opener with Bayern Munich next week, to be released on ManUtd.com and the United App in due course.

The midfield man is eligible as one of the club's Under-21s who can be added to the original 25-man squad via the B List. 

The tie at the Alianz Arena will kick off at 20:00 BST on Wednesday.