Man Utd 'angered' by youngster's lack of appearances out on loan

Manchester United are reported to be frustrated by the lack of playing time Hannibal Mejbri has been given while on loan at Sevilla in the second half of this season.

Hannibal made the short-term switch to the Spanish side during the January transfer window in the hope that more regular opportunities would aid his development. He had made ten appearances for United across all competitions in 2023/24 up to that point.

But the Tunisia international came under fire from boss Quique Sanchez Flores after making his debut in a substitute in a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Girona. It was stated Hannibal would be out of contention while he settled into his new surroundings, although he was then included on the bench for a league encounter with Osasuna the very next day after those comments were made.

Even so, the 21-year-old has hardly featured, being brought on for only eight minutes against Rayo Vallecano, one minute against Valencia and going unused against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Almeria and Celta Vigo.

Hannibal, whose United contract runs until 2025, hasn't stepped onto the pitch at all since his sole start in Sevilla colours, a 3-2 win over Real Sociedad in early March that ended after 53 minutes.

As a result, AS has reported Sevilla's use of Hannibal has "angered" Man Utd. Similar is said regarding Alejo Veliz, who is on loan from Tottenham and also out of favour.

Sevilla have the option to make Hannibal's loan into a permanent transfer for €20m (£17m), but it seems unlikely given his lack of opportunity to establish himself in the team. United had also agreed a buy-back clause for themselves worth €35m (£30m) and a sell-on clause.

Hannibal has played regularly for Tunisia since switching international allegiance from France and making his senior debut in 2021. But he asked to withdraw from the squad for the recent Africa Cup of Nations to focus on securing his immediate future amid rival interest in his services from clubs other than Sevilla.

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