MANCHESTER UNITED COACH RALF RANGNICK OUTLINES PLANS FOR HANNIBAL
Hannibal has been promoted to the first-team squad for the remainder of the season, according to Ralf Rangnick.
The 19-year-old midfielder has returned from Tunisia’s Africa Cup of Nations duty and is expected to be named in the matchday squad for Friday’s Emirates FA Cup fourth-round clash against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.
It’s an important step forward for the youngster, who earned his senior Reds debut against Wolves in the final game of the 2020/21 Premier League season.
Hannibal has gained additional experience with Tunisia after helping them reach the Arab Cup final. He was also a member of the Africa Cup of Nations squad that reached the quarterfinals before losing 1-0 to Burkina Faso.
With seven games in February alone, our interim manager believes the moment is perfect to incorporate him into the first-team group.
In an exclusive interview with MUTV’s Stewart Gardner on Friday, Ralf said, “We have Hannibal included in the squad.” “From now on, he will practise with us on a regular basis and will be a regular member of the team.” He’ll also be in the team for the cup game tomorrow.
When asked if he’d been impressed in training, he answered, “To be honest, I haven’t seen that much of him as he was with the national team.” “I watched him play in a tournament before [the Arab Cup], not the Africa Cup of Nations.”
“I saw him play in the final and think he’s a good talent based on what I’ve seen so far.” He deserves to be a part of the team for the remainder of the season, as well as for tomorrow’s game.”
Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Jadon Sancho are all back in contention for the Middlesbrough match, according to Rangnick.
Paul Pogba is also available and is a strong contender for a starting spot in midfield against the Championship side.