Manchester United have rejected a loan proposal from Besiktas for Hannibal Mejbri, as reported by Manchester Evening News.
The transfer window for Turkish clubs remains open for another week. The team’s manager, Erik ten Hag, is apparently hesitant to allow Hannibal to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Despite the 20-year-old’s impressive performances in United’s pre-season matches, the arrivals of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat have sparked concerns about his potential playing time. Additionally, teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo currently ranks higher in the team’s hierarchy.
During the pre-season, Ten Hag deployed Hannibal as an attacking midfielder, where the young player displayed impressive tenacity and a strong ability to press opponents.
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Hannibal had a notable stint with Birmingham City in the Championship last season.
Man United currently has three viable choices for the holding midfield position in the form of Casemiro, Amrabat, and Mainoo. Furthermore, there is expected competition between Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount for the number eight role.
With Bruno Fernandes firmly holding the number 10 position, Ten Hag also has the option of utilizing Scott McTominay in an attacking role, particularly given McTominay’s recent impressive performances for Scotland.
Donny van de Beek is still part of the Old Trafford squad, but United are actively seeking to facilitate his departure.
Hannibal is undoubtedly a highly talented player. However, talent alone may not guarantee success at a prestigious club like Manchester United.
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To develop his game, he requires consistent playing time, which could prove challenging to secure at Old Trafford.
His primary opportunities to feature in the first team appear to lie in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup competitions.
It will be interesting to see how much game time he accumulates during the initial part of the season if he continues to be part of the squad.
