Young attacker Hannibal Mejbri was undoubtedly the bright spark for Man United, as they lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace.
Manchester United’s campaign is (thankfully!) over. Undoubtedly, 2021/22 is the worst season in my recent memory and the sooner this one is forgotten about, the better it’ll be for all involved.
It seems the club is desperate to move forward, too. They released the first part of Erik ten Hag’s official interview bright and early this morning, indicating their desire to think about the future rather than dwell on the past.
Given the abject display offered up by those in white and blue at Selhurst Park yesterday afternoon, it’s pretty easy to see why United are ready to move on and kickstart the Ten Hag era.
Only one man can hold their head high from yesterday’s 1-0 loss; Hannibal Mejbri.
The young midfielder was a surprise starter on the final day, after being absent in the few games prior. Alas, we were all delighted to see the former AS Monaco man get his opportunity from the start.
Given the nod out wide due to injuries galore, Hannibal made his intentions clear from the outset. He’d work hard, chase down every 50/50 ball, consistently be on the move and always willing to receive possession. Genuinely, it was a breath of fresh air to see someone in a United strip playing with enthusiasm. That just highlights how far the standards have dropped of late.
Although a little rough around the edges, the 19-year-old left us all with a glimmer of hope, giving us a glimpse into the future with a promising performance on the final day.
It was Hannibal who had United in the most promising positions due to his decisive runs through the middle, crisp passing and sheer skill. As we saw against Liverpool, the French-born midfielder was also willing to get stuck in and put up a fight.
What does the future hold for Hannibal?
This was no doubt a proud moment for Hannibal and one that he’ll always look back on. It’s also nice to see how he didn’t look out of place against grown men who have been doing this for years. Obviously, there’s still a lot to learn for the 19-year-old, but this was definitely a step in the right direction.
For Hannibal, the future is undoubtedly bright. This is a young man who has all the tricks and flicks. He strikes me as someone who can replace Paul Pogba in the long-term – though we have to be patient and allow the teenager to develop at his own pace.
I’m hoping we get to see more of Hannibal on our pre-season tour in July as that seems the next logical step. Then, depending on what signings are made, a decision about where Hannibal will play his football in the 2022/23 season will likely come. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a loan move organised for the talented youngster, but the final decision on that front obviously lies with Ten Hag.
Do you think Hannibal Mejbri has a long-term future at Man United? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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