Opinion: Why Man United player shouldn’t commit to potential Middlesbrough move unless key player departs

Middlesbrough are one of several sides interested in a loan move for Manchester United attacking midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, according to Sky Sports (23/7; 3:25pm).

The 19-year-old is set for a loan spell away from Old Trafford with Erik ten Hag prepared to sanction a move this month, with Boro, Birmingham City, Millwall and West Bromwich Albion all believed to be interested in recruiting him.

If the midfielder has all of these options to choose from, it could be quite a difficult choice for him with Boro, the Lions and the Baggies all having a good chance of competing at the right end of the Championship table during the 2022/23 campaign.

However, there’s a real opportunity he could be benched by other first-team options at the trio if he does make the move to the Riverside, The Den or The Hawthorns.

Gary Rowett’s side have already recruited George Honeyman and Zian Flemming this summer, with the duo both in line to be starting options in the English capital – and John Swift is likely to be one of the first names on the teamsheet in the Midlands with the likes of Okay Yokuslu and Jayson Molumby behind him.

And unfortunately, he may not get more playing minutes under Chris Wilder, who already has a decent number of midfield options at this stage with Jonny Howson, Matt Crooks and Marcus Tavernier all potentially starting together once more.

There’s a chance the latter could be pulled into a left wing-back role during parts of the season due to Neil Taylor’s departure – but Ryan Giles has already arrived and can be an option in this position. The right wing-back spot may also be addressed soon as well with current trialist Tommy Smith potentially joining.

And with the club adding Darragh Lenihan to their squad this