Ralf Rangnick has spoken highly about young midfielder, Hannibal Mejbri.
Manchester United’s mantra and DNA has always been to put trust in youth. From Sir Matt Busby to Sir Alex Ferguson, it’s what the foundation of our club is based on.
It’s no surprise that Ralf Rangnick was hired as our new boss. As he also shares those beliefs. Many a young player have improved under the watchful eye of the 63-year-old German.
The likes of Mason Greenwood and Anthony Elanga should certainly flourish under Rangnick, though our gaffer has singled out another teenager for praise; Hannibal Mejbri.
Rangnick was waxing lyrical about the ‘highly-talented’ player coming from our youth ranks, with Hannibal still on the fringes of the first team.
“Hannibal was here training for the first time since I arrived having just come back from the Arab Cup.” Rangnick told ManUtd.com.
“Unfortunately for us and for him he will be missing out [with us] again in January because of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“I watched the final before his substitution and I’m fully aware that we have another good, highly-talented player coming from our youth ranks and hopefully after the Africa Cup of Nations he can regularly train and be part of our group.”
Hannibal looks like someone who’d fit seamlessly into the 4-2-2-2 formation that Rangnick likes to deploy, though it may take the midfielder some time to fully adapt to first-team football at such a high level.
That’s why I like the fact he’s going away to play in the Africa Cup of Nations in January. This experience will serve him brilliantly upon his return to Old Trafford. Then, he’ll get to work with Rangnick for a solid four months until the end of the season.
It’s just a shame we have no games against lower league opposition on the horizon as it would have been the perfect opportunity to get some game time for Hannibal. He’s already outgrown U23 football, while he’s too good to loan out.
There’s plenty of talk about finding a replacement once Paul Pogba leaves next summer. Perhaps the answer is already on our books in the form of Hannibal.
Does Hannibal Mejbri have what it takes to make it at the first-team level at Man United? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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