Manchester United Frustrated over La Liga Loan Star | OneFootball

Frustration Brews as Man Utd Loanee Hannibal Mejbri Struggles for Minutes

In a tale of high expectations met with disappointment, Manchester United finds themselves at odds with Sevilla over the lack of game time afforded to their loanee, Hannibal Mejbri. As reported by AS.com, the frustration stems from Hannibal’s minimal appearances since his short-term move to the Spanish outfit during the January transfer window.

High Hopes Dashed

United had hoped that the temporary switch would provide the talented youngster with the platform to flourish, having made ten appearances for the Red Devils across various competitions prior to his loan spell. However, the reality has fallen short of expectations, leaving both club and player disillusioned.

Upon his arrival at Sevilla, Hannibal was swiftly thrown into the fray, making a substitute appearance in a challenging fixture against Girona. Yet, his cameo was met with criticism from manager Quique Sanchez Flores, who subsequently sidelined him as he supposedly acclimated to his new environment.

Photo: IMAGO

Limited Opportunities and Growing Frustration

Despite being named on the bench for subsequent matches, Hannibal has seen scant playing time, raising eyebrows at Old Trafford. With only brief outings against Rayo Vallecano and Valencia, and complete omission from several crucial encounters, including clashes against Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, his development has hit a stumbling block.

His solitary start, a promising display against Real Sociedad, was cut short after just 53 minutes, further adding to the frustration surrounding his loan spell. Sevilla’s reluctance to utilize the midfielder has not gone unnoticed, with murmurs of discontent echoing through the United camp.

Uncertain Future Looms

Sevilla holds the option to secure Hannibal’s services permanently for €20m (£17m), but his lack of game time casts doubt on the feasibility of such a move. Moreover, United had negotiated a buy-back clause worth €35m (£30m), indicative of their belief in his potential despite the current setback.

Amidst the uncertainty, Hannibal’s decision to withdraw from international duty with Tunisia during the Africa Cup of Nations speaks volumes. It underscores his determination to focus on resolving his immediate future, as interest from other clubs swirls amidst his struggles at Sevilla.

In essence, while the loan move was intended to provide Hannibal with invaluable experience and playing time, it has instead become a source of frustration for all parties involved. As the saga unfolds, the young midfielder finds himself at a crossroads, grappling with the challenges of expectation and reality in his quest for development.

In the intricate world of football, loan spells often serve as crucibles for young talents, shaping their trajectories in the sport. For Hannibal Mejbri, however, the journey has been fraught with obstacles, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the beautiful game.