Following a forgettable 2021/22 campaign, Manchester United and their supporters are already looking ahead to the start of next season with far more optimism.
The appointment of Erik ten Hag as the club's new manager coupled with reports suggesting that their summer recruitment drive is gathering pace has increased the excitement levels within the fanbase. The club is desperate to put this season behind them as quickly as possible and a fast start to next term will be imperative.
United are already being linked with a plethora of potential new signings, including Ajax defender Jurrien Timber and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The duo are no strangers to Ten Hag, having both worked with him in Amsterdam.
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But while there is no denying that United need to add fresh blood to their ranks this summer, they also have a number of youngsters already on their books who will be hoping to impress Ten Hag during pre-season and force their way into his plans. The likes of Alvaro Fernandez, James Garner, Hannibal Mejbri and Alejandro Garnacho are considered to be the leading lights among United's crop of young talent and all of them will fancy their chances of earning first-team opportunities next term.
At Ajax, Ten Hag always opened the door for youngsters to earn an opportunity, with the Dutchman frequently promising that if a youngster was good enough he would award them a chance to impress. And that approach could bode well for United's youngsters next term and beyond.
Towards the latter stages of former interim manager Ralf Rangnick's reign, the German handed chances to both Hannibal and Garnacho. The latter was awarded two cameo appearances, stepping off the bench against both Chelsea and Crystal Palace, while Hannibal also made two appearances, the second of which came via the route of a starting berth against Palace on the final day of the season.
The Tunisian international had earlier made his first appearance of the season by stepping off the bench in the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in April. He came on with just six minutes left on the clock, replacing Anthony Elanga.
Although United had already been put to the sword by Jurgen Klopp's side, Hannibal made a reasonably solid impression, in the sense that he displayed a sense of passion and fought for the badge. He lunged into several challenges, ensuring that he left his calling card.
He made one challenge on Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson that the former Sunderland midfielder didn't take well, producing an angry reaction. However, that level of commitment and desire from Hannibal could impress Ten Hag.
That is because the United boss, during the 2021/22 campaign, admitted that he is happy to have players within his squad that display passion and character. After Antony, who is believed to be on United's radar, was sent off for a second bookable offence - following the decision to take his shirt off during a goal celebration - Ten Hag admitted that, while the 22-year-old still has a lot to learn, he welcomed that kind of temperament.
On Antony's red card, Ten Hag said: "Unnecessarily, he still has to learn that. But I am also happy to have players with temperament.
"You also need them. He is still young, but don’t forget that he also got an incredible kick."
Like Antony, Hannibal is still young and has a lot to learn. But despite that, he is a highly talented player with a big future ahead of him.
Considering big changes are being made in midfield at Old Trafford this summer, the 19-year-old will fancy his chances of being part of Ten Hag's plans next term. He is very highly rated and his talent is undisputed.
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