Hannibal Mejbri to Be Introduced into Manchester United First Team Next Season
By Ali Rampling
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is poised to promote 17-year-old Hannibal Mejbri to the Manchester United first team next season, with only the January arrival of Bruno Fernandes preventing him from being given an opportunity in 2019/20.
United signed Mejbri from Monaco for £9m in the summer, and he has caught the eye in various appearances for the Under-18s side.
Solskjaer has a proud track record of blooding youngsters, and the French midfielder could be the next teenager to be fast tracked into the United first team.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the club were preparing to gently introduce him into the first team fold during the second half of the season in order to bolster their creative midfield options, before eventually agreeing a £68m deal with Sporting CP for Fernandes.
The Under-18s and Under-23s have had their seasons cancelled as a result of the coronavirus, and with Solskjaer now possessing a fully fit squad, Mejbri has not reported to Carrington since the first team returned to training.
However, the midfielder could get his chance next season. Fellow youngsters James Garner and Ethan Laird - who have both trained with the senior squad this season - are poised to be sent out on loan, leaving a space for Mejbri to fill.
The former Monaco man, alongside 18-year-olds Charlie McCann and Mark Helm, will likely be promoted to the reserve side next year and could get a shot at first team action in cup competitions.
Mejbri has predominantly played for the Under-18s this season, featuring once for the Under-23s.
Solskjaer has not been afraid to give youth a chance during his time in the Old Trafford dugout.
Teenagers Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams have both established themselves in the United first team this season, while squad consisting almost exclusively of academy players were selected for November's Europa League tie in Astana