Manchester United starlet Hannibal Mejbri has declared that he's "ready to risk everything" in order to succeed under new manager Erik ten Hag.
The 19-year-old midfielder joined the Red Devils from Monaco three years ago for just under £10million and signed a long-term contract in March 2021. Having taken part in United's pre-season tour this summer and with the new Premier League season on the horizon, Hannibal recently laid out his future plans amid links of a loan move away from Old Trafford before September 1's deadline.
Speaking to Pro-Direct Soccer France, the Tunisia international revealed: "I said to myself, 'oh yeah, I need to work hard!' I didn't come here for nothing, not to have on my CV: 'I played for United'. I came to prove to the world that a young person from Paris, from the neighbourhood, can come and impose himself. And me...I'm ready to risk everything to succeed at United."
Hannibal's comments are a sign of his ambition that both supporters and Ten Hag will be pleased to hear. The Red Devils boss handed the France-born prodigy a total of 76 minutes across three matches in pre-season, with Hannibal featuring in a range of positions along the forward line.
Ten Hag won't hesitate to call upon his younger players in 2022-23, having mentored a host of talents during his time as Ajax manager. The Dutch tactician has already admitted that United will need a deep squad to compete in four competitions, but rumours have persisted linking Hannibal with an exit.
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Birmingham City have been labelled the most likely suitors, with boss John Eustace heaping praise on the playmaker's potential when asked about the speculation. "I am sure we are being linked with a lot of players, I know Hannibal is a very good player, Man United have got some fantastic young players in their squad," Eustace told Birmingham Live. "We had a fantastic one [ Tahith Chong ] come to the club last year and did very well. Listen, if good players are linked to Birmingham City that's good for us."
As for what Ten Hag thinks of him, the 52-year-old said during pre-season: "Hannibal plays some minutes now, I think he did quite well in training as well, he makes a good impression."
Regarding the Red Devils' abundance of talent in their prestigious academy, Ten Hag explained what youngsters like Hannibal need to do in order to play regular football in the United first team this term.
"I think they do well but I also know the standards in the Premier League and European football are high," he added. "It's always about 'are they ready to contribute, are they conscious of their situations?' I have to approve and I will take my decisions. They have potential some of them, that is quite clear."
