Hannibal Mejbri’s recent journey at Manchester United has been nothing short of fascinating. The talented playmaker has quickly risen from the shadows to become a key figure in Erik ten Hag’s squad.
After a loan spell at Birmingham City in the Championship, there were doubts about Mejbri’s future at Old Trafford, especially when he failed to make the matchday squad for the early-season games. However, due to a series of injuries at Manchester United, the 20-year-old seized his opportunity.
His breakthrough moment came with a stunning long-range goal against Brighton and Hove Albion, and he followed it up with an impressive start against Burnley, earning praise from Ten Hag, who described his performance as “perfect.” Despite his promising performances, the Carabao Cup match against Crystal Palace revealed that there is still room for improvement in Mejbri’s game.
Performance Against Palace: A Learning Experience
In a comfortable 3-0 victory that propelled Manchester United into the fourth round, Mejbri did not exert the same level of influence he displayed at Turf Moor. Samuel Luckhurst, a journalist from the Manchester Evening News, noted that the young talent “struggled to influence proceedings with the ball.”
This is evident in the statistics, as Mejbri completed only 28 passes during the match, fewer than teammate Andre Onana in goal (31). He also failed to register a key pass or complete a successful dribble. Consequently, his match rating of 6.4 was the lowest among all starting players, according to Sofascore.
While Mejbri’s commitment and work rate off the ball are commendable, as he tirelessly pressed from the front, his over-enthusiasm led to four fouls on the night. He received an early yellow card, and there were moments when he pushed the boundaries, risking suspension. Despite his eagerness to impress, it’s essential for the young striker to temper his aggression.
Mejbri initially endeared himself to supporters during a brief cameo at Anfield in April 2022, where he showed determination on a challenging night. However, Ten Hag must ensure that players like Mejbri do not accumulate unnecessary suspensions, given the team’s ongoing selection challenges.
In conclusion, Hannibal Mejbri’s evolution at Manchester United is a work in progress. While he has showcased immense potential, there is room for growth and refinement in his game. As he continues to develop, he has the opportunity to become a crucial asset for the team, provided he strikes the right balance between passion and discipline on the field.