Man United said to be ‘angered’ by youngster’s lack of game time while out on loan

Man United are not best-pleased with Sevilla’s use of Hannibal during his loan spell at the Spanish club.

Manchester United chose to let Hannibal leave on loan in January, with the midfielder looking to find regular playing time away from Old Trafford as he wasn’t getting it there.

The talent is obviously there for Hannibal. He just needed a real run of games to prove his worth and consolidate his place in the United squad. Eventually, a loan move to Sevilla was sanctioned.

At the time, I raised concerns. Although a prestigious club, I wondered whether he’d be stuck on their bench just like he was here in Manchester. The early signs were not good, either.

Now, AS have provided another update on Hannibal, with 90min.com providing the translation. It’s stated United are ‘angered’ by the youngster’s lack of game time while out on loan, having been limited to just four appearances so far.

Sevilla hold the option to buy Hannibal outright in a deal worth £17m. Obviously, that looks unlikely to be triggered at this stage, while the Tunisia international will return to Old Trafford in a worse scenario than when he left it.

Kobbie Mainoo is now a regular. Mason Mount is fit again. Minutes are going to come at an even slower rate for the 21-year-old, whom United clearly aren’t sold on as they wouldn’t have given Sevilla an option to buy at all.

Hannibal has been playing regularly for his country for well over a year now, though he’s struggled to find that consistency at club level. Whenever I’ve watched him play, he always looks a little over-eager, feeling like a walking red card, particularly in a heated match.

I’m not sure I envisage any scenario where he becomes a key starter for United, though I hope to be proven wrong.

Do you think there’s any chance Hannibal makes it at Man United? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.