In the unpredictable world of football, few stories are as compelling as that of Hannibal Mejbri. Once hailed as one of Manchester United’s most promising academy talents, the Tunisian midfielder’s career has taken a winding path since his €5 million move to Old Trafford in 2019. Now, at Burnley, Hannibal is finally showcasing the talent that made him such a coveted prospect, playing a pivotal role in the Clarets’ promotion push and reigniting hopes of a Premier League return.
From Old Trafford to Turf Moor: A Journey of Resilience
Hannibal’s time at Manchester United was a mixed bag. After joining the club’s youth setup from Monaco, he made 13 senior appearances, scoring a memorable goal against Brighton in September 2023. However, his progress stalled during a disappointing loan spell at Sevilla, where he struggled for minutes and failed to make an impact.
Last summer, United decided to cut their losses, selling Hannibal to Burnley for an undisclosed fee. For the 21-year-old, it was a chance to reboot his career and he has seized the opportunity with both hands.
Hannibal’s Impact at Burnley: A Key Cog in the Machine
Under the guidance of Scott Parker, Hannibal has become an integral part of Burnley’s midfield. The Clarets are enjoying a stellar season, sitting third in the Championship with just two defeats in 32 matches and a remarkable defensive record of only nine goals conceded.
Hannibal has featured in 26 of those games, contributing two assists and earning plaudits for his energy, technical ability, and tenacity. His standout moment came in the FA Cup against Southampton, where his perfectly weighted pass set up Marcus Edwards for a late winner, sending Burnley into the fifth round.
More recently, he delivered a commanding performance in a 2-0 victory over Watford, completing 96% of his passes and creating a key chance. These displays have endeared him to the Burnley faithful, who have described him as a player with “bags of potential” and a “fan favourite.”
The Dark Side: Controversy and Discipline
For all his talent, Hannibal’s fiery temperament has often landed him in trouble. His time at Burnley has been no exception. In September, he sparked outrage by goading Leeds United fans after a 1-0 win at Elland Road, a moment that highlighted his combative nature.
That fiery streak resurfaced on New Year’s Day, when he was sent off for a reckless stamp on a Stoke City player. The incident drew a scathing response from Parker, who accused Hannibal of letting the team down. “He’s let us down today. He’s let the team down, he’s let me down, he’s let the staff down,” the Burnley boss fumed.
While these moments of indiscipline are a cause for concern, they also underscore the passion and intensity that make Hannibal such a unique player.
A Fan Favourite in the Making
Despite his occasional lapses in judgment, Hannibal has won over the Burnley supporters with his commitment and flair. His performance in the derby against Blackburn Rovers earlier this season was a particular highlight, with fans praising his work rate and creativity.
As one supporter put it: “He’s got that bit of magic in his feet, and he’s not afraid to put in a tackle. He’s exactly the kind of player we need in this league.”
The Road Ahead: A Premier League Return?
With Burnley firmly in the promotion mix, Hannibal could soon find himself back in the Premier League and facing his former club, Manchester United. For the Tunisian, it would be a chance to prove that United were too quick to give up on him.
At just 21, Hannibal’s best years are still ahead of him. If he can channel his aggression and continue to develop his game, he has the potential to become a top-tier midfielder. Whether that future lies at Burnley or elsewhere remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Hannibal Mejbri is a name to watch.
Conclusion: A Tale of Redemption
Hannibal Mejbri’s journey is a testament to the resilience and determination required to succeed in football. From the highs of Old Trafford to the lows of Sevilla, he has faced setbacks and criticism but emerged stronger on the other side.
At Burnley, he has found a platform to showcase his talent and rebuild his career. As the Clarets push for promotion, Hannibal’s performances will be crucial and if they succeed, he may just get the chance to show Manchester United exactly what they’ve been missing.
Quotes sourced from Scott Parker’s post-match comments and Burnley fan forums. Statistics via Opta.
