Man Utd players' feelings towards Jadon Sancho after latest Erik ten Hag spat
Manchester United risk derailing Hannibal Mejbri’s career if they continue to refuse a loan move in the final six days of the Turkish transfer window. And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won’t be happy if a sizeable investment under his watch wastes away in a state of flux at Old Trafford this season.
Hannibal impressed in pre-season after a productive loan spell at Championship side Birmingham City last term, making 41 appearances.
He has featured three times for United’s first team since joining in a £9million deal from AS Monaco in 2019 when he was just 16.
Now 20, United’s reluctance to send Hannibal out on loan suggested that Erik ten Hag considered him a part of his senior plans this season.
But the Tunisia international has been included in just one of Ten Hag’s four matchday squads so far and isn’t playing for the U21s side either.
Tunisia boss Jalel Kadri has warned Hannibal that his place may be at risk if he no longer plays regularly, something the attacking-minded midfielder is keen to continue doing.
But United have rebuffed all interest in his signature this summer, most recently reportedly turning away Turkish giants Besiktas, who have also signed Eric Bailly on a free transfer.
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The Turkish transfer window shuts on September 15, and Donny van de Beek is said to be in talks over a switch after falling out of favour under his former manager.
If United don’t sanction Hannibal’s exit, they risk wasting a £9m investment and all the time and resources spent on developing him for the last four years.
Ten Hag may have believed he required as many midfield options as possible earlier in the summer after Fred’s exit.
But United have signed Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat, while 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo is expected to have a breakthrough campaign at Old Trafford.
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With Casemiro, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen also in Ten Hag’s engine room, Hannibal’s chances of minutes look bleak.
His absence from U21s action implies coaches believe he is ready for regular senior football but face an awkward situation where he may not be primed for the United first team.
It leaves a simple solution. Loan Hannibal out and let him continue his development away from M16.
United can include a recall clause if they are unsure whether they may need Hannibal later in the season. He can’t be wasted watching from the stands beyond the international break.
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