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18-Year-Old Manchester United Youngster Is A 'Future Paul Scholes', He Could Play Tonight

18-Year-Old Manchester United Youngster Is A 'Future Paul Scholes', He Could Play Tonight

"He has all the qualities in midfield to become a leader."

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri has been tipped to become this generation's Paul Scholes after looking incredible in training.

The 18-year-old is regarded as a top talent in the Red Devils academy and operates in central midfield.

He's already made three appearances for international side Tunisia and made his Premier League debut on the final day of last season.

One of Mejbri's former coaches at Paris FC, Reda Bekhti, has compared the youngster to United legend Scholes.

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PA

"The Premier League requires a lot of athleticism and a strong physical capacity. He can still grow more muscle," Bekhti told First Time Finish.

"If he passes this milestone and does not pick up any injuries, he will win over [Solskjaer] I am sure.

"He can become a future Paul Scholes at Manchester United. He has all the qualities in midfield to become a leader."

Scholes was 20 when he made his breakthrough at Old Trafford and he remained a fixture in the team for nearly two decades.

He won 11 Premier League titles and is seen as one of the finest midfielders of his generation.

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PA

What Mejbri does have already is a reputation among opponents at youth level - as well as teammates at senior level.

Earlier this year saw U23s manager Neil Wood worry opposing players would want to break Mejbri's legs due to his quick feet.

"I think Hannibal has lots of quality and the frustrating point for him is that there must be about 15 fouls on him per game," he told the Manchester Evening News back in February.

"And at some point if it's not stopped, or if the referee is not protecting him, he's going to get his leg broken. That's what I fear for him.

"He loves getting on the ball, he loves creating and teams love to hack him down as much as they can. He's doing really well. He's been outstanding for the last couple of games."

The teenager went viral earlier this month for making a mockery of Fred in first-team training.

He missed out on Tuesday's EFL Trophy clash with Bradford City due to suspension and many think it's a sign he could be involved tonight.

United take on West Ham United in the Carabao Cup third round.

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Paul Scholes, Football, Manchester United