Erik ten Hag changes transfer plan as Manchester United academy loan deal put on hold

Manchester United have put the possible loan of Hannibal Mejbri on hold after Erik ten Hag reportedly changed his outgoing priorities of the January transfer window.

After an initial few successful appearances, Hannibal Mejbri has fallen in the pecking order at Manchester United after Erik ten Hag started to put his trust in Kobbie Mainoo as a rising midfield star at Old Trafford.

Mejbri enjoyed some good performances in the Premier League earlier this season, impressing against Brighton, Burnley, and Galatasaray, but since the return of Kobbie Mainoo from injury, the Tunisian has been relegated back to a bench role.

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With United’s youth academy producing multiple good talents in recent years, there were plans for Mejbri to spend the second half of the season out on loan, but these may have to be adjusted.

According to the Daily Mail, Erik ten Hag has changed his transfer strategy for the January transfer window and is now reluctant to let any players leave on loan this month until he sees that his current injured crop has returned to training.

Christian Eriksen recently made his comeback after almost six weeks out, while Casemiro and Mason Mount are not expected back until later this month, meaning that talks for Mejbri’s loan move have been put on hold despite the player pulling out of AFCON to prioritise his future.

This also applies to young midfielder Dan Gore, who has been linked with Borussia Dortmund – although the Daily Mail claim that these have been played down by sources.

Gore may still end up on loan at either a Championship or League One club, with the latter a more likely destination due to the guaranteed playing time.

Donny van de Beek departed on loan for Eintracht Frankfurt on the opening day of the transfer window after he played just 21 minutes of the season, and Jadon Sancho will certainly be heading in a similar direction before the end of the month, but beyond this, little movement is expected until the fitness of injured players is confirmed.