Hannibal Mejbri opens up on Man Utd move and Cristiano Ronaldo influence

Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri has admitted he's "always loved" the Old Trafford outfit and wants to learn from Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 19-year-old is one of United's best prospects, making his Premier League debut against Wolves on the final day of last season.

He's not featured for the Red Devils this term to focus on his international career. He represented France - the country of his birth - at youth level but now plays for Tunisia.

Mejbri has won 11 senior caps to date, helping Tunisia reach the Arab Cup final. He was also part of their squad for the recent Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon.

The teenager joined United's academy from Monaco in 2019, reportedly turning down interest from Premier League rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal.

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"I've always loved this club," Mejbri told French outlet Onze Mondial when asked why he picked the Red Devils over their European rivals.

"United, it's a club you need to respect. It's hard to do better in Europe. Before, I watched the games of Cristiano, Nani and the achievements of Sir Alex Ferguson.

"United cradled me. Yes, I had other options, but after talking with my family, I was convinced it was the best choice for me.

"At United, people don't think like in France. For them, it's simple: either you're good on the pitch or you leave. They don't look at where you came from, who you are.

"There's no status. For them, it's simple: you work, you work, you work. That's all there is to succeed.

"Plus, I'm with the person who has worked the most in the world of football: Cristiano Ronaldo. I can only learn next to him."

Mejbri has an impressive record at youth level, scoring five goals and producing 13 assists in his 30 Premier League 2 outings to date.

The talent's primary position is attacking midfield, although he's also played in a deeper role. His existing deal expires in June 2026.

United academy graduate Luke Chadwick, who won the Premier League title in 2001 and made more than 500 professional appearances, believes Mejbri is a future star.

"I've seen quite a lot of him in the Under-18s and Under-23s," Chadwick told Caught Offside earlier this year.

"He's got a huge amount of technical ability, but more than anything he's a big character, he's got huge self-confidence.

"He even gets involved in a few things he maybe shouldn't, with some strong tackles and a bit of pushing and shoving and that sort of thing.

"But he's a player who plays on the edge, and someone who needs to develop physically to play at Premier League level in my opinion.

"But he's got the raw potential to be a very special player in years to come.

"United rate him incredibly highly, he's got a bit of that X-factor that you look for, someone who might come on and excite the crowd."