In the middle of the January transfer window, Manchester United decided to loan Hannibal Mejbri to Sevilla. Since he was getting little playing time under Erik ten Hag, that was seen as a move for the 21-year-old to gain some experience elsewhere and potentially leave permanently.
It’s been over a month since the midfielder arrived at the La Liga side, and so far he has a total of 36 minutes played in three appearances.
The plan is obviously not working out, and as even the Spanish media starts questioning the move, Estadio Deportivo today features a story about that situation.
The outlet actually comes up in Hannibal’s defence, claiming he did well in the minute he was given against Valencia at the weekend. So they question why manager Quique Sanchez Flores isn’t giving the Manchester United loanee more chances to prove himself.
Estadio Deportivo point out that the midfielder’s situation is ‘doomed’, and claims it’s very unlikely that Sevilla would use their €17m buying option over him, unless there’s a 180º turnaround’.
The three passes and one interception Hannibal made against Valencia are highlighted as a reason why Quique should start using him from now on, and that even looks like some pressure on a coach who’s clearly not fond of his new signing.
Manchester United are surely watching and wondering the same. That said, loaning the youngster to a Sevilla side in chaos on and off the pitch, and with a buying option which was never going to be used, perhaps wasn’t the best plan.
