Why United star Hannibal Mejbri is not going to AFCON

Hannibal Mejbri isn’t going to AFCON despite impressing for Tunisia on the international stage.

Manchester United will be without Andre Onana and Sofyan Amrabat for some key games during January and February, as both players are set to represent Cameroon and Morocco respectively in the Africa Cup of Nations.

As the United faithful wonder how Erik ten Hag will line up his squad during the period, including on January 14 against Tottenham Hotspur, Fabrizio Romano has reported Hannibal Mejbri is not going to the 2023 AFCON.

Hannibal Mejbri is not going to AFCON during January transfer window

As per Romano, the Tunisia international is not going to the tournament in order to ensure he leaves Manchester United on a temporary basis in January.

The 20-year-old midfielder, who has made nine appearances for United in all competitions this season, is attracting interest from a number of European clubs. The Italian transfer expert says Sevilla, Olympique Lyon, and Freiburg all want to sign him.

The interested clubs want him to be available in January and February. Accordingly, any plans for him to join the AFCON have been shelved.

Meanwhile, United still highly rate the gritty midfielder and are involved in talks to extend his contract at Old Trafford. Having said that, in light of Kobbie Mainoo’s rise in stature in Ten Hag’s squad, it’s best for Hannibal to look for minutes elsewhere.

Donny van de Beek has already agreed to move to the Bundesliga in hopes of playing regularly at Eintracht Frankfurt.