Erik ten Hag previews Burnley clash
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could find an unlikely saviour if he gives Hannibal Mejbri an opportunity of regular football this season, according to Andy Cole. The Old Trafford icon has hailed Hannibal and believes fans could soon start clamouring to see him on the pitch if United’s struggles continue.
Ten Hag kept the 20-year-old midfielder among his ranks this summer despite mass speculation surrounding a potential loan move elsewhere.
Hannibal thrived on loan at Birmingham City last season, making 41 appearances for the Championship side to gather crucial senior experience.
He was widely tipped to temporarily depart again this term after Ten Hag added Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat to his engine room.
But Hannibal stayed at Old Trafford to battle for game time, although chances have been limited in the opening two months of the campaign.
Hannibal has played just 26 minutes, coming on as a substitute in United’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.
And the Tunisia international made an impact, netting a superb consolation distance strike, marking his first goal for the club.
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Some fans were bemused to see Ten Hag opt for Scott McTominay off the bench over Hannibal during Wednesday’s 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich.
And Cole believes the unrest could intensify if United’s season plunges into further disaster and Hannibal is made to watch most of it from the sidelines.
“This season is going to be a big season for him. He’s young, enthusiastic, and he likes to get on the ball,” Cole told Betfred.
“When he came on against Brighton, he did very well, and it was very special for him to get his first goal at Old Trafford.
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“The fans will get behind him because of how hungry and hardworking he is, and to see him run around, win the ball back and score a goal was excellent to see.
“In the next few weeks, if the team still isn’t playing well, then the fans will be calling for him to get a chance because the fans want to see players that give their all.”
Opportunities could become more limited for Hannibal in the coming weeks, with Mount, Amrabat and Kobbie Mainoo set to return from injury before the October international break.
He deserves more minutes than he has received so far this term, though, and Ten Hag could hand him a rare start if he rotates in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Crystal Palace.
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