Former Manchester United winger Tahith Chong believes Hannibal Mejbri has what it takes to make the grade at Old Trafford.
Hannibal, who went to the World Cup in Qatar with Tunisia towards the end of last year, is making encouraging strides on loan at Championship club Birmingham City. The 20-year-old joined the Blues on a season-long loan deal last August and has become something of a fans' favourite at St Andrew's.
The youngster has racked up 23 appearances for Birmingham in all competitions, registering three assists in the process. He stepped off the bench to provide the assist for Jordan James' 91st-minute equaliser during Saturday's 2-2 FA Cup fourth round stalemate with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, securing John Eustace's side a replay.
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Hannibal's temporary switch to the Midlands has given him the chance to secure regular first-team football for the first time in his career, with opportunities having previously been hard to come by at Old Trafford. Just three days after joining the Championship outfit, the Tunisia international was joined at St Andrew's by former United ace Chong, who rejoined the club on a permanent basis after impressing on loan from the Reds last season.
Chong, who spent six years at Old Trafford, has been impressed with Hannibal's impact at Birmingham this season, referencing the energy he has added to the team. He has also urged him to keep doing what he's doing, certainly if he has ambitions of breaking into Erik ten Hag's plans in the future.
"Everybody knows what Hannibal Mejbri brings to the squad, with his energy," Chong told the Manchester Evening News, speaking in partnership with SkyBet. "He's been doing well this season – he's a wonderful player and brings a lot to the team. Hopefully, if he keeps going, he can prove himself at Manchester United."
Hannibal, who recently turned 20, has made three senior appearances for United to date, most recently adding to his tally on the final day of last season against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, marking his first start for the club. The Reds are reasonably well-stocked in midfield and Hannibal's only hope of playing regularly this season was to leave on loan.
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