Manchester United are set to welcome Hannibal back to the first team squad after Tunisia were eliminated from the AFCON.
Hannibal was an unused substitute as Tunisia were defeated by Burkina Faso on Saturday night in the quarter-finals.
The tournament was a good experience for the youngster, who played in two matches, and has now racked up 11 international appearances.
At the age of just 19, Hannibal has a real shot of one day becoming Tunisia’s most-capped ever player, bettering Rahdi Jaidi’s record of 105.
The career of a footballer is fraught with uncertainty, however, on and off the pitch, and Hannibal has to take his career one step at a time.
The next step is a return to Manchester United, where he will get to work on trying to win a first team role.
Hannibal has been training with the first team on and off this season, and did so between the December Arab Cup and January AFCON, getting a chance to impress Ralf Rangnick.
Rangnick told the club website in December: “I’m fully aware that we have another good, highly-talented player coming from our youth ranks and hopefully after the Africa Cup of Nations he can regularly train and be part of our group.”
Extra squad places
A handful of January exits works to Hannibal’s advantage for the second half of the season. Donny van de Beek, Amad, and Anthony Martial have all left the club on loan.
This creates extra attacking and midfield spots, and Hannibal’s versatility enables him to play in a variety of roles. Jesse Lingard would have leaving would have helped him, but there could still be chances for the teenager.
Over the past year for the under-23s he has played as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and a left winger, with the club working closely on his adaptability to better prepare him for first team opportunities.
Coach Neil Wood told the club website last year: “I feel it’s important he has a few positions he can play in and a few positions he can excel in and make an impact, rather than just be a no. 10 or a higher midfielder.
“It’s important, at times I’d drop him into a lower midfield role to see if he could play with a bit of discipline, could work hard, tackle and get on the ball and build up momentum and be sharper. He played left, no. 10 a bit of a false 9, a free role, dropping in between to take up positions.
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The MEN report Hannibal is determined to impress interim boss Ralf Rangnick and will be considered for a first team role in the second half of the season.
With no midfielders signed by the club, extra focus will be given to Hannibal and helping him try to break through.
Rangnick has shown a willingness to give young players opportunities, with Anthony Elanga establishing himself as a first team regular in recent weeks.
Hannibal and Elanga have linked up well together for under-23 level, combining directly for five goals, and this connection in training could give the Tunisian a boost in training when it comes to catching Rangnick’s eye.
Don’t expect instant chances for Hannibal, he will have to earn it, and Paul Pogba’s return keeps the midfield position crowded. But his return is just what United need, and is perfectly timed. The next few months could shape his Red Devils career.
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