United’s summer capture Yasin El-Mhann has been billed as the non-league Riyad Mahrez.There’s no doubt that El-Mhanni has got something about him and for the 500 or so who braved the cold and rain, it was seeing him get on the ball on the right wing that had the capability to excite.
This time last year he was playing for Lewes and there’s still plenty of rawness about him – especially when he seems tempted to take one too many touches. It looked fancy on a night when there’s not much riding on it but in a big game it could cost his team.
Still, one turn of pace was reminiscent of something Hatem Ben Arfa could do on this stage and if he continues to learn and develop he could be something special.
His night ended early here as he limped off with an ankle knock. But any scouts watching from the lower leagues might be tempted to have a punt on him on loan in the second half of the season.