Hannibal could leave this month (Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester United star Hannibal Mejbri won’t be allowed to leave the club on loan this month until Erik ten Hag is satisfied with his options in midfield.
The Tunisia midfielder has pulled out of the Africa Cup of Nations in order to resolve his future.
The 20-year-old has made nine appearances for the Red Devils this season, four of which were starts.
Ten Hag is a fan of Hannibal’s tenacity but he wants to get the midfielder more playing time to aid his development.
However, with Casemiro and Mason Mount currently sidelined, United are short of options in midfield.
Ten Hag is short of options in midfield. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Sofyan Amrabat has missed the last two matches, and Christian Eriksen has only just returned from a five-week lay-off.
And the Daily Mail say Ten Hag wants to see the return of Casemiro and Mount before he sanctions Hannibal’s departure.
Hannibal spent last season on loan at Birmingham, where he made 38 appearances.
The Tunisian is open to returning to St Andrew’s, and there’s interest across the Championship.
MORE : Luke Humphries destroys Scott Williams to set up World Darts Championship final against Luke Littler
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.