However, the reality on the pitch is quite different. By the start of the 2024-2025 season, Mejbri found himself on the outskirts of Manchester United’s plans after spending half of the previous season on loan with Sevilla in Spain, having joined them in January 2024.
Struggles and Uncertainty
In recent days, English newspapers have reported extensively on what they describe as uncertainty surrounding the future of the Tunisian international with Manchester United. It has been suggested that the club’s management received a loan offer for Mejbri from Burnley, a team in the first division.
According to the same sources, it appears that Mejbri might spend another season away from the club, as the coaching staff decided to exclude him from the lineup for the Charity Shield final against Manchester City, as well as the league’s first round match against Fulham last week.
With just a week left before the transfer deadline in European leagues, the situation looks challenging for the Tunisian player, and his future remains uncertain as he waits for developments that will determine his next destination.
Hannibal Mejbri joined Manchester United in the summer of 2019 from French Monaco, where he joined the youth team at 16 years old.
Experts suggest that the overall level of the English Premier League, combined with the intense pace at Manchester United, has significantly hindered Mejbri’s development, making it challenging for him to assert himself even within the reserve team, according to Kamal Al-Qalsi, the former technical director of the Tunisian Football Federation.
Al-Qalsi shared with Sky News Arabia: “For the third consecutive season since his transfer to Manchester United in the summer of 2021, Mejbri faces an uncertain future and the risk of a wasted season. His performance level seems insufficient for success in the Premier League, especially at such a demanding club as Manchester United. Mejbri and his agents need to identify the right destination that will allow the Tunisian midfielder to thrive before it is too late.”
He further noted: “Mejbri still has the potential to build a remarkable football career, especially at just 21 years old, with the option to choose a more suitable team away from the Premier League. He could explore opportunities in other leagues, such as France or Germany, where players in the Premier League often play more than 60 matches per season, a demanding schedule that may exceed Mejbri’s current technical and physical capabilities.”
Out of the National Team’s Considerations
Mejbri’s uncertain status with the Tunisian national team has also cast a shadow over his international career. He was notably absent from Tunisia’s recent matches during the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
His lack of participation in team matches over the last season, whether with Manchester United or after his loan to Sevilla, led the Tunisian national team’s coaching staff to exclude him from the squad for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, which sparked significant controversy amid claims that he had opted out of representing the national team to secure a spot back at Manchester United.
Mejbri has played 27 international matches for the Tunisian national team and participated in the Arab Cup for national teams in 2021 and the Qatar World Cup 2022, but he was unable to take part in the latest Africa Cup of Nations.
Hannibal Mejbri: The Struggles of a Young Talent at Manchester United
After about 3 years of his move to Manchester United, coming from Monaco, Frenchman Hannibal Mejbri, who was just 18 years old at the time, was expected to shine brightly in the English Premier League and become a fan favorite for the Red Devils. However, the reality on the pitch has been quite different. As of the beginning of the 2024-2025 season, Mejbri finds himself outside the club’s interests, having spent half of the previous season on loan with Sevilla in Spain.
The Ambiguous Situation of Hannibal Mejbri
Recent reports from various English media outlets have highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Mejbri’s future at Manchester United. The club’s management is reportedly considering a loan offer from Burnley, a first-division team. The same sources suggest that Mejbri might play another season away from Manchester United, especially after being excluded from the club’s recent matches, including the Charity Shield final against Manchester City and the league opener against Fulham.
As the transfer deadline approaches, the Tunisian midfielder’s situation remains precarious, leaving fans and analysts alike to speculate on where his career might head next. He initially joined Manchester United in the summer of 2019, also from French Monaco, at the age of 16, heralded as a promising talent. His early potential seemed promising, but the competitive nature of the Premier League and the rigorous demands of Manchester United have proven to be significant hurdles.
Challenges of Adapting to Premier League Football
According to Kamal Al-Qalsi, the former technical director of the Tunisian Football Federation, the challenges that Mejbri faces stem from the overwhelming standards of the Premier League. As a young player, the pace and intensity of the league can be daunting. Al-Qalsi mentioned:
“For the third season in a row since his transfer to Manchester United in the summer of 2021, Al-Majbri finds himself facing an uncertain fate and at risk of a wasted season. The player’s current performance level does not match his potential to succeed in the Premier League or at Manchester United. His team and agents need to carefully consider his next steps.”
Exploring the Path Ahead
- Age and Potential: At just 21 years old, Mejbri still has ample time to build a successful career. He must explore opportunities in different leagues that might suit his playstyle better.
- Alternative Leagues: Al-Qalsi suggests that leagues in France or Germany could offer a more conducive environment for Mejbri’s development compared to the Premier League.
Impact on International Career
The challenges Mejbri faces at the club level have repercussions for his international career. His absence from recent matches has been notable, making him a conspicuous absence in Tunisia’s lineup for the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Tunisian national team’s technical staff opted not to include him in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which generated significant controversy. There were accusations that he had opted not to play for the national team in hopes of reclaiming his place at Manchester United.
Mejbri’s Track Record with the National Team
Despite the current hurdles, Mejbri has a decorated record with the Tunisian national team, having played in 27 international matches. His contributions include:
| Event | Year | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Arab Cup | 2021 | Participated and showcased potential |
| World Cup Qualification | 2022 | Represented Tunisia with notable performances |
| Africa Cup of Nations | Upcoming 2024 | Absent due to form and club situation |
Conclusion
Hannibal Mejbri’s journey with Manchester United has not unfolded as many hoped. The combination of high expectations, the competitive nature of the Premier League, and his current exclusion from first-team action has placed him in a challenging position. As the transfer window nears closure, time is of the essence for this young talent.
Whether he secures a loan move or stays and fights for his position at Manchester United, Mejbri’s next steps will likely shape the course of his career both at the club and internationally.
