Varun Pai
Manchester United readying Hannibal Mejbri to replace exit-linked Paul Pogba
According to The Athletic (h/t Daily Star), Hannibal Mejbri is being developed by Manchester United to replace Paul Pogba amidst exit rumours.
The French superstar was said to have rejected a contract extension at the Old Trafford outfit this season despite being offered a humongous £350,000-per-week salary.
It was understood that Paris Saint Germain were trying to orchestrate a move for the midfielder but failed to meet United’s valuation of the 28-year-old. However, that does not rule out the fact that the former Juventus man could leave the Red Devils on a free transfer next summer.
The French international has entered into the final year of his contract, and if an extension is not signed by January, he would be allowed to hold talks over a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs. Real Madrid and PSG are said to be the interested parties, but it remains to be seen where the midfielder’s destination lies come next summer.
However, the Manchester-based club do not wish to live with this uncertainty and already have a plan in mind if the 28-year-old does decide to depart the club.
As per the Athletic (h/t Daily Star), youngster Hannibal Mejbri is being groomed in the U-23s to play a deeper role than his usual number 10 position. The reason for this repositioning is to allow him to ‘dictate play’ and take over from Pogba as a straight replacement.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United in contract talks with Bruno Fernandes since July
- Youri Tielemans hints at being open to Leicester exit amid Man United interest
- Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer defends his decision to take off Cristiano Ronaldo for Jesse Lingard
Mejbri made his debut for the Old Trafford club on the final day of last season against Wolves as he came off the bench for a 10-minute cameo. At just 18, Mejbri could be a long-term option for the club in the midfield role, and he could perhaps feature in the club’s squad soon depending on Pogba’s future with the Red Devils.
