Hannibal Mejbri will be delighted to be included in Manchester United’s first-team pre-season tour this summer.
The 19-year-old was handed his first senior start by Ralf Rangnick last season, playing just over an hour in the final day loss to Crystal Palace. This came after his memorable cameo in the 4-0 Anfield defeat to Liverpool in April.
In both outings, he demonstrated his rough-and-tumble style of play and is clearly not afraid to put his foot in. This will need to be honed as his career grows but having that visible eagerness is a good starting platform.
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However, it may not be enough to earn an ample amount of minutes in the senior squad at United. Erik ten Hag is keen to bring in another midfielder this summer - namely Frenkie de Jong.
Currently, the youngster is some way down the pecking order in terms of selection. He’s unlikely to oust any new recruit - or Fred, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek or James Garner - anytime soon.
Featuring for United’s first team is a great honour but sporadic appearances may not be enough for Hannibal. He could take a leaf out of Garner’s book, though.
A loan spell away may be an eye-opener and a career enhancer. Garner starred for Nottingham Forest last season as they won promotion to the Premier League.
As a result, he is knocking on the door for first-team minutes at United. Academy teammate Alvaro Fernandez is eyeing a loan move away, as is Shola Shoretire.
Hannibal must decide during this tour whether he should also push for a loan. Frankly, 76 competitive first-team club minutes at the age of 19 as a professional is quite miserable in this day and age.
That is not to say he hasn’t got the talent to develop into a top midfielder - after all, he’s already earned 16 caps for Tunisia - but Hannibal must balance his wisdom with his ambition and choose which path will ultimately be the most beneficial to him.
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