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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Manchester United plans for Hannibal Mejbri after AFCON exit

Hannibal Mejbri is set to rejoin the Manchester United first-team when he returns from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 19-year-old has been away on international duty with Tunisia but will head back to Manchester in the coming days following their elimination from the major tournament.

Mejbri made two appearances for his national side during the competition in Cameroon but was an unused sub during both of their knockout matches, which came to an end with defeat against Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

The United youngster returns to the club having made 11 full international appearances for Tunisia, although he still only has one solitary competitive outing at club level to his name, on the final day of last season against Wolves.

Ralf Rangnick is already well aware of the talented teenager and is set to reward him with regular opportunities to train with the first-team for the rest of the season.

It is understood the United youngster had the opportunity to take a holiday between the Arab Cup and the AFCON, but he chose to return to Manchester in order to train with the senior squad and catch the eye of Rangnick.

Mejbri will still make regular appearances for the club at U23s level but could also be considered for senior call-ups if he manages to impress the interim manager.

MEN Sport understands Mejbri received fresh interest in moving to the Championship on loan this month, but it did not suit the club or player for him to pursue any of the enquiries, with the focus on his international involvement.

Club sources have spoken highly of the youngster's growing maturity in recent months and the manner in which he deals with rough treatment from many opposition players at youth level.

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