Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has confirmed that Hannibal Mejbri is now a regular member of the first-team squad.
The Tunisian international has been away at the African Cup of Nations but, speaking at his pre-match press conference yesterday, Rangnick says the 19-year-old will be in contention to face Middlesbrough this evening:
“We have Hannibal included in the squad. He will, from now on, regularly train with us and be a regular member of the squad. He will also be part of the squad for tomorrow’s cup game.”
Supporters on Twitter are glad that young players are getting the chance to shine under Rangnick:
Great to see tbh. Hopefully the likes of Hannibal Shoretire Iqbal will all feature more till end of the season & hopefully we’ll see a few more youngsters making their debuts like Fernandez Garnacho McNeil Hansen Hugill etc
— Chris Silvester (@ChrisSilveste14) February 3, 2022
Deserves his chance against Middlesbrough ahead of Lingard & Mata.
— Tranquilo (@utdtranquilo) February 3, 2022
love that ralf!!😍 put respect on him for developing and giving youth a chance 👏🏾
— David👨🏾🦯 (@deeutdd) February 3, 2022
He’s gonna ball
— Ha〽️za (@hamzaali360174) February 3, 2022
Love that
— Dyl (@UtdDyl) February 3, 2022
My boy is finally going to play😩😍
Can’t wait can’t wait can’t waitttt😍Ralf is doing well juh
— JENNIFER👑🌟 (@Neepharr) February 3, 2022
I like this a lot…love watching him play…loads of energy and can play all over the pitch…fingers crossed he gets some chances this season!! 👍👊🤞🔴⚪️⚫️
— Ben Pickford (@Ben05970640) February 3, 2022
Ralf is class. He knows them when he seems them. No time to waste. W
— stranger (@_theprincealex) February 3, 2022
RR knows ball.. I love this guy.
— nana (@narkaah) February 3, 2022
Mejbri has clearly impressed Rangnick in training. The teenager has hardly featured, even for United’s youth teams this season, having been absent due to international duty.
The attacking midfielder has played one UEFA Youth League match for the Under 18s, one EFL Trophy game for the Under 21s and three matches in Premier League 2 at Under 23 level.
With 11 senior caps for Tunisia, though, Mejbri does have some experience at first-team level, and he will be one to look out for if he does play some part in the FA Cup clash against Boro tonight.