18 January 2024 , 12:45
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Manchester United starlet Hannibal Mejbri has revealed his team-mates convinced him to choose Sevilla over other potential clubs with their stories about the atmosphere the Spanish club's fans create.
Tunisia international Hannibal, who scored his first Premier League goal for United earlier this season, will spend the remainder of the season at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Sevilla are understood to have the option to make the move permanent, though United would have a buy-back option if that deal goes through.
The 20-year-old spent last season out on loan at Birmingham City, meaning he wasn't part of the United side knocked out of Europe by Sevilla. United's conquerors went on to win the Europa League, but have found things tougher this term and finished bottom of their Champions League group.
Many members of United's squad have experience of playing at Sevilla's home ground, with striker Anthony Martial having even spent time on loan there himself. Hannibal opened up on the conversations he had with his colleagues ahead of the move during his first press conference as a Sevilla player.
"Sevilla has won many games against United in recent years," the youngster said, per the MEN. "I wasn't in the team then, but I saw the games, the quality of the team, the fans.
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"The game here was crazy. Before coming, my United teammates told me about the fans, the atmosphere there. It's nice to play for a team with fans like this because they help you when you're in difficult times.
"I've heard a lot about them and I'm looking forward to seeing them and playing for them. I hope they like me as much as I like them."
How will Hannibal get on at Sevilla? Have your say in the comments section
Hannibal opened his Premier League account for Manchester United against Brighton (AFP via Getty Images)The 2023 elimination marked the third time Sevilla have knocked United out of Europe. They claimed a narrow victory on neutral ground in the 2019-20 Europa League, before going on to win that season's competitions, and also ended United's Champions League hopes with a win at Old Trafford in March 2018.
Things have been tougher for them this season, though. They are onto their third permanent manager of the season, with Quique Sanchez Flores at the helm, and sit one point above the relegation places in La Liga having picked up just two points from a Champions League group including Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven and Lens.
Hannibal, who spoke highly of Sevilla's "project", isn't the only United player joining the club this month. Young Colombian forward Mateo Mejia has completed a permanent move, leaving Old Trafford without playing a senior competitive game.
Mejia played for United in pre-season but was unable to break into the senior side. "We'd like to take this opportunity to wish Mateo all the best for the future - we'll be following your career with great interest," the club said in a statement.