Hannibal has been training in a deeper role to boost United first team chances

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Hannibal was in the Manchester United side which suffered a penalty shootout loss to Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Youth League last night.

The midfielder impressed, especially in the second half, with his passing and drives from midfield, making himself a constant danger.

He also captained the side on the night, underlining his maturity having suffered in the early stages of his time at United with a fraying temper having been targeted by opponents.

Unfortunately, he was among the players to miss spot-kicks as United crashed out at the last 16 stage but that should not undermine his impressive all-round display.

He started the game as a number ten before dropping deeper as manager Neil Wood made a tactical switch to try and control possession in central areas before hitting Dortmund down the flanks.

The Athletic report that Hannibal has been training in a new, deeper position for months, having initially had more experience playing further up.

That is partially because he feels he has a better chance of getting into the first team in a deeper role, where United still need reinforcements.

It would be interesting to see if Ralf Rangnick would go with a playmaker like him in a deeper role, where he usually has at least one of Scott McTominay or Fred offering energy, if not the most incisive passing in the world.

Paul Pogba is of course another option, who has played a variety of role for Rangnick already, with Bruno Fernandes starting almost every game.

Tunisian Football Federation sporting director Mohamed Slim Ben Othman has a clear idea about where Hannibal is best.

Othman told The Athletic: “He can play in a lot of positions: he can be a playmaker, he can be a regista (deep-lying playmaker), he can be a defensive midfielder, he can be a winger… but for me, his best position is central midfield.

“He likes to be the player who can organise and coordinate his team. He has big physical abilities and is very selfless despite his large technical qualities.

“I see him as a central midfielder — similar to Luka Modric. He is someone with a big potential in this position and I think that even Manchester United see this and are trying to improve him as a box-to-box player. I see him like Paul Pogba in this role for his club. I hope that he will be happy in this position.”

It remains to be seen if Hannibal can emulate Anthony Elanga, who scored in this season’s Youth League, and make the leap to the first team this season, but he is seemingly doing all he can to give himself the best possible chance.