Manchester United have told Hannibal Mejbri that they see him as “one for the future” and that he was sent out on loan to Birmingham to gain more match experience.
The Tunisia international, who will likely be going to the World Cup next month, earned two senior appearances towards the end of last season; his hustling cameo against Liverpool and the final day loss to Crystal Palace.
The 19-year-old played 77 minutes across three games under Erik ten Hag in pre-season before his temporary move to Birmingham was sorted. He plays alongside former United attacker Tahith Chong, who made his switch to the Blues permanent after last campaign’s loan spell at St Andrew’s.
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“Tahith told me it is a very good club, a good family with very good fans, so I was so happy to come here," Hannibal told Birmingham Live. "I need to play some games, that’s why I came on loan, get some experience.”
United have pinpointed Hannibal as a player in development and wish for him to tread the same path as ex-Red James Garner did for Nottingham Forest, helping them to promotion last season prior to his transfer to Everton on deadline day.
Hannibal’s communication line with his parent club is strong and Ten Hag is always available for a phone call.
Hannibal — who has made five Blues substitute appearances so far — explained: “I didn’t play a lot in pre-season but they told me I am one for the future at United, that I need to work hard, go and gain some game time at Birmingham, learn Championship football.
"As we saw with Jamie Garner who went to Everton, he did a good season in the Championship so I need to do the same and maybe go next year and win my place at United.”
He added: “I speak to the staff there [United] regularly, every game, I speak a lot with Fletch [Darren Fletcher, coach and ex-midfielder] because he is British and he knows what it is to be part of the academy so it is easier to speak to him – but I can speak to the manager any time.
“It is very difficult [for a teenager] to play in the Premier League, we know the situation at United as well, it is difficult to play at this club but I hope I can get an opportunity to play there.”
Hannibal says he is learning a lot at Birmingham, who have a contrasting playing style to United. “It is very different to Man United, we play different football but it’s good,” he added.
“I am here to learn, it’s more defensive, more box to box, so I have to use it to get ready for United.
“I just want to play games because that’s how we learn, that’s how we improve, when we play games. I am very patient, I wait for my time and hopefully I will be ready when I get my chance.”
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