Former Manchester United captain urges Erik ten Hag to use Hannibal Mejbri next season

Former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has urged new manager Erik ten Hag to give Hannibal Mejbri a fair chance in the first team.

Ten Hag is expected to give youngsters a chance in pre-season this summer, with academy starlet Hannibal one of those expected to be included in the first-team tour squad.

Hannibal, 19, made two senior appearances for United last season but is yet to experience a regular run of football in the senior set-up at Old Trafford.

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Valencia says he is excited by Ten Hag's track record of utilising youth players in his managerial career so far and he hopes Tunisian international Hannibal could be the next to benefit.

"I know his football and how well he has performed at Ajax," the Ecuadorian told club media of Ten Hag. "I am sure that with a full pre-season, he is going to be able to share his football with the players, and, all together, they will be able to make the fans happy.

"It is also great that he has previously worked with young talent, as we have a lot in our current squad.

"I loved Hannibal's personality and his will to win tackles. He came on the pitch at Anfield with the idea of giving everything, and it should have been that way for everyone since the start of the game. He is a kid with great talent and I hope to see more of him soon."

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