Manchester United academy star Hannibal Mejbri has revealed that he hopes to reach the level Paul Pogba has hit during his own career.
Currently on international duty with Tunisia, Hannibal has played a starring role in his nation’s successful run at the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, which has seen them secure a spot in the semi-finals.
After securing their passage to the last four, Hannibal, who has started started all his country’s games at Qatar 2021, spoke about his lofty ambitions for the future.
The 18-year-old continues to enhance his burgeoning reputation at Manchester United since joining the club from Monaco in 2019.
The Tunisian international made his United first team debut against Wolves, in the last game of the the 2020/21 season.
If he wasn’t at the Arab Cup then Hannibal would have very likely made his Champions League debut in Ralf Rangnick’s much-changed line-up against Young Boys.
Training alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani, Bruno Fernandes and Pogba, Hannibal will be learning and developing all the time, but it’s the World Cup winner who the youngster pays special recognition and attention to.
Speaking via the Gulf Times about the comparisons and similarities in his and Pogba’s style of play, Hannibal said: “I train with Pogba often and I respect him a lot. He’s a fantastic player and one of the best midfielders in the world. I learn from him every day. I hope I can reach his level and why not become even better in the future.”
With the futures of Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata, who are all out of contract in the summer, looking increasingly uncertain, Hannibal could be a huge beneficiary if the experienced trio leave Old Trafford.
Under the stewardship of Rangnick, who is renowned for placing his trust in young talent, Hannibal will be eager to impress the 63-year-old at Carrington, when he returns from the Arab Cup.
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