Man Utd ‘enter contract talks’ with Hannibal Mejbri as Erik ten Hag stance clear

Manchester United have entered talks with Hannibal Mejbri over a new contract as Erik ten Hag looks to prove his faith in the young midfielder, according to reports. Hannibal has become a full-time member of Ten Hag’s first-team squad this season and could soon be rewarded for his development. According to 90min , United are discussing a contract extension with the 20-year-old after he entered the final 12 months of his deal in July. Hannibal’s current contract expires at the end of the season, and the Red Devils have the option to add a further year. But Ten Hag is said to be a fan of his No 46 and wants to tie him down to a longer-term agreement at Old Trafford. Hannibal was expected to leave on loan this summer after a successful stint at Birmingham City last season, but a move didn’t come to fruition. After impressing during pre-season, Ten Hag was reluctant to let him leave and has regularly featured him in his squads. But Hannibal’s substitute appearance against Brighton and Hove Albion was his only game time this term, and he brilliantly scored his first senior United goal. Hannibal Mejbri is in Man Utd contract talks. (Image: Getty) Hannibal’s time with the United senior time so far has been rocky, to say the least. The attack-minded star earned a reputation for on-pitch discipline in the club’s youth ranks and across his opening senior appearances. He notably garnered criticism after coming on and crunching some opponents in United’s 4-0 defeat at Liverpool at the end of the 2021/22 campaign. And there have also been issues behind closed doors, infamously scrapping with former United star Alex Telles later that season. Hannibal joined United from AS Monaco as a teenager for an eye-catching £9million transfer fee in 2019. He has already earned 26 caps for Tunisia but faces mass competition for places after another summer of recruitment. Casemiro, Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen are all ahead of Hannibal in Ten Hag’s pecking order. And Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence from the academy has further threatened his prospect of minutes. But Ten Hag clearly backs Hannibal to have a bright future in M16 and wants to retain him as an option beyond this season. Hannibal Mejbri and Alex Telles scrapped. (Image: Getty)