Alex Telles and Hannibal Mejbri have been named as the two Manchester United stars involved in a training ground bust-up this month as the club endured a miserable end to the campaign.
United finished in sixth position – good enough for Europa League football – but lost four of their last six matches. The last of those, a 1-0 reverse at Crystal Palace, ensured they finished the season six points shy of their previous lowest league tally.
Reports of a bust-up between two teammates had first been reported in the middle of the month, shortly after a 4-0 defeat at Brighton ensured United couldn’t match their 2013-14 total of 64 points. But, it has now emerged that Hannibal and Telles were the parties involved.
According to The Daily Mail, the duo were involved in the bust-up “earlier this month” – one of a number of forgettable moments over the course of the second half of the campaign for the Red Devils.
However, both were named in Rangnick’s starting lineup for the defeat at Selhurst Park on the last day and are expected to still be United players next season.
“Out of our starting XI, there will be 10, apart from Edi Cavani, who will still be playing for this club next season,” Rangnick said before the Palace match, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
Telles had been linked with a return to former club Porto, but now looks set to stay at United. Hannibal, meanwhile, has enjoyed a breakout season for the club after being promoted from under-23 by Rangnick.
The news comes as new manager Erik ten Hag arrives at the club for his first season in charge. The Dutchman was confirmed before the end of the campaign and has already held his first press conference in his new role.
Ten Hag sent a warning to Manchester City and Liverpool after watching the top two finish more than 30 points clear of United. Both clubs will be playing Champions League football next season while the Red Devils have to settle for Europa League.
“I admire them both, Manchester City and Liverpool,” he said. “They both play fantastic football. But you will always see an era come to an end.
“I’ve already met big coaches and big teams in the Premier League and I know how to deal with that. But it’s clear, the Premier League is the biggest league in the world I think and I’m looking forward to battling with them.”
