Erik ten Hag's plan for Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri has been revealed

Hannibal Mejbri has a new haircut, it's about to be the New Year and he could soon have a new club to play for.

The midfielder has not been named in the Tunisia squad for the African Cup of Nations next month, a decision which is believed to have been made to allow him to leave Manchester United on loan. Hannibal is said to be attracting loan interest from Sevilla, Lyon and Freiburg ahead of the January transfer window and a loan for the second half of the season would allow him to start regularly.

He will celebrate his 21st birthday in the next few weeks and needs consistent minutes at this stage of his career after having a mini breakthrough at Old Trafford but then falling down the pecking order again.

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Hannibal enjoyed a memorable September when starting successive United games - against Burnley and Crystal Palace - for the first time in his career and he was singled out for praise by Erik ten Hag.

“I think he gives a very good message to the rest of the squad," said Ten Hag. "That this is the demand, this has to be the standard when you are playing in a position, what you have to bring to the team, to get success.

"Especially when you're playing against possession-based teams; he is a really good fit, to give a good contribution to a good performance and to the result. I don’t think [his adaptation has been] that quick.

"Before I came in here, he was already in the first team, he made his debut. Last year he was on loan and this year he is making progress. So that's why he deserved an opportunity and I think now he's taking that opportunity.

"Every time he has to improve and he had to give the evidence