Hannibal Mejbri’s absence vs Nottingham Forest explained amid Man United role clarification

Hannibal Mejbri was not in the Manchester United squad which came back from 2-0 down to win against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on the weekend.

The 20-year-old midfielder was in Erik ten Hag’s mind ahead of the fixture, following on from Mason Mount’s injury in the week prior.

However, the Tunisian international was not in the matchday squad and also did not appear for the Under-21s in their monstrous 10-1 win against Stoke City.

UtdDistrict understands that the reasoning behind Hannibal’s absence from either game was due to a small knock, but he is now fine and back in contention for selection ahead of United’s trip to The Emirates to face Arsenal. He has also been included in the Tunisian squad for the upcoming international games.

The midfielder impressed during the pre-season tour of America this summer and operated as an attacking no.8 – a similar role to what Ten Hag placed Mount in during the opening two games of the season.

Whilst Christian Eriksen came into the starting XI in Mount’s absence, the Denmark international’s ability to press high out of possession is not one of his best attributes. Hannibal could arguably slot into that position well.

However, club sources have told UtdDistrict that there has been ‘loads’ of interest, both for loan deals and permanent moves, in the 20-year-old and it remains to be seen whether he departs Old Trafford on Deadline Day.

It was added that if he stays with United, Hannibal is expected to play an ‘important role’ for Erik ten Hag’s side during the season.

The midfielder made his competitive debut for the club in May 2021 against Wolves in a 1-0 victory. He has since played two more games against Liverpool and Crystal Palace.

Last term, he spent the season on loan in the Championship with Birmingham City and played 41 games.