Hannibal Mejbri is arguably the most exciting young talent Manchester United academy has been taking care of recently. Hannibal’s interesting background, playing style and his abilities speak for themselves. This article presents some key points that indicate he is ready for more first-team appearances for United.
Background
The name, an appearance similar to that of famous Columbian midfielder Carlos Valderrama, and a promising career path so far – Hannibal does make an exciting impression among United fans.
Hannibal was born in 2003, in France, and began his football journey there. 8 years at Paris FC. In 2019, at the age of 16 he signed for Manchester United. It was at AS Monaco he started getting widespread attention. English clubs Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool – all sought his signature.
At United, Hannibal has gained valuable experience in both the Under-23s and FA Youth Cup. The youngster signed a new long-term contract with United on 15 March 2021. Deservedly, he has been voted Denzil Haroun Under-23s Player of the Year.
Hannibal made his first-team debut in the 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 23 May 2021. It was a good display, the most exciting part was he nutmegged an opponent.
As an international player, Hannibal represented France at the youth level and appeared in the UEFA Youth League for the French side.
Hannibal decided to switch his alliance to Tunisia in May 2021. He made his international debut and played 45 minutes in Tunisia’s 1-0 win over DR Congo on June 6, 2021.
“I think it will influence a lot of youngsters. I think that it is very significant for Africa.”
Mejbri on his decision to represent Tunisia.
Playing Style
Our number 46 is primarily an attacking midfielder. More recently he has spent considerable amount time playing in wide midfield areas. Because of his excellent composure Mejbri can also play as a defensive midfielder if needed. His position is similar to Paul Pogba. Best as an attacking midfielder, but also an excellent CM. May be he is not quite ready for a CDM role in the first team. May be he shouldn’t specialize in CDM.
Hannibal is described as very technical. He has a tendency to impose himself in the midfield during games. He also boasts an excellent passing range and comparing to other youth players displays genuine intelligence to find his teammates in order to create attacks.
Hannibal also has great vision which enables him to quickly transform defense into attack. He’s not shy to receive the ball in tight spaces. He knows his tricks. He’s Pogba 2.0!
Hannibal gave United the lead in U-23s final game of the season but was then sent off after clashing with the referee.
Manchester United’s Under-23s coach Neil Wood stated that Hannibal does become a target by opponent teams during games and therefore gets fouled quite a lot. He had a 25-minute chat with Hannibal after the game.
Time for a Bigger Challenge
Manchester United’s former head of youth development Nicky Butt praised Hannibal’s leadership skills and in this regard compared him to United legends David Beckham and Roy Keane.
United health aging midfielders in the squad who soon will need to be replaced. United always have promoted high potential players and at 18 years old Hannibal looks like he’s ready to take the challenge to the next level.
Mejbri’s former Paris FC coach Reda Bekhti mentioned that Hannibal’s football strengths are mainly based on his ability to see things before others. “On a football field, he has intelligence far above the average.”
A talent like Mejbri will not stay if he’s not given the proper opportunity. There are other clubs that will be happy to give Hannibal first-team opportunities. If he is not in United’s first-team plans a loan move makes sense. But Hannibal is special, perhaps generational. Ole would agree he deserves playing time in a few cup games next season. He can also be used as a substitute in a few league games.
Would you like to see Hannibal getting more first-team appearances next season, or do you think a loan move away suits him better at this stage of his career? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. Thank you.
An interesting season awaits Hannibal Mejbri!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.