Manchester United are getting organised. It’s long overdue.
A double announcement was made this week as the club announced a new contract for Hannibal Mejbri, and then an extension for Anthony Elanga a few hours later.
The pair have been among United’s most productive players at under-23 level this season, combining for 11 goals and 9 assists.
The duo are both out with injury right now. Hannibal is on the verge of the first team and Elanga is not far behind.
United clearly rate the pair highly, that’s why they have both been offered long-term deals, and the foresight in doing so should not be taken for granted.
Learning a lesson
Back in 2012 Manchester United made a huge mistake by letting Paul Pogba walk out the door on a free transfer. The club then had to pay a club record £89 million to buy him back.
United were unable to convince Pogba he would get sufficient first team chances and he felt it was best to leave.
This was a mistake on so many levels, from a lack of foresight to let his deal run down, to not give him the first team opportunities to convince him to stay.
Last summer the same situation repeated itself with talented playmaker Angel Gomes.
United wanted Gomes to stay and offered him a new deal, but he did not see a credible first team pathway, and left on a free transfer.
Again, his deal should never have been allowed to run down. Gomes was at United since six-years-old and his situation was mishandled.
The 20-year-old signed for Lille and went out on loan to Boavista. Whether he ever gets to United’s level is uncertain. Not everybody can be a Pogba. It was more the principle that hurt with his exit.
Course correction
Anthony Elanga’s contract has been an uncertainty hanging over him all season. His deal was due to expire in June 2022.
With a long-term contract behind him, United can loan him out next season, if that’s deemed to be in his best interests.
United have avoided a potential worry of losing the Sweden youth international, after locking him into a new deal.
Hannibal is also on a long-term contract and United don’t have to worry about him departing like Pogba did.
It shows that finally, lessons are being learned. United are getting organised, planning ahead, and prioritising the academy.
The decisions from Elanga and Hannibal to buy in, shows they too see a genuine chance of a breakthrough at the club. United are getting it right at last, and it’s about time.
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