Man Utd Questioned Over Decision to Let ‘Extraordinary’ Player Leave – ‘Bargain Deal’ Might Embarrass Amorim
Manchester United are once again in the spotlight—not for their performances on the pitch, but for a transfer decision that is beginning to draw intense scrutiny. The club is being heavily questioned for allowing an “extraordinary” young talent to leave, with many now labeling the transfer a “bargain deal” for the buying club. And as the player begins to flourish elsewhere, fingers are being pointed squarely at United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, with suggestions that the move could turn into a long-term embarrassment.
The player in question? Hannibal Mejbri, the highly-rated Tunisian midfielder who recently made a move away from Old Trafford, much to the frustration of a growing number of fans and pundits alike.
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The Transfer That Sparked the Debate
Mejbri’s departure from United was initially low-profile. The 21-year-old, who had long been touted as one of the brightest prospects from United’s academy, joined Sevilla in a permanent move after spending the 2023–24 season on loan at Birmingham City and then making scattered appearances under Erik ten Hag. But under Amorim’s leadership, Mejbri was deemed surplus to requirements—a decision that was made swiftly during pre-season evaluations.
The reported transfer fee? Around €6 million. For a young midfielder with international experience, Premier League exposure, and a high technical ceiling, this was perceived by many as a bargain—and potentially a short-sighted decision by Amorim.
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Why Hannibal Mejbri Was Rated So Highly
Those familiar with Mejbri’s rise in the United academy system knew that he was special. Signed from AS Monaco in 2019 for a fee rising to €10 million, he quickly gained a reputation as a fiery, technically gifted midfielder with leadership qualities and a high work rate.
He impressed for United’s U23s and was consistently highlighted for his intelligence on the ball, composure under pressure, and tactical versatility—capable of playing deep in midfield, as a No. 8, or even further forward. Mejbri also made a strong impression with Tunisia in international football, particularly during the 2022 World Cup.
During his loan spell at Birmingham, he was a standout performer, earning praise for his energy, aggression, and vision. While raw, he was widely seen as someone with immense potential—someone who just needed the right environment and support to mature into a top-level player.
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A ‘Bargain Deal’ That Could Haunt United
It didn’t take long for observers to raise eyebrows about the deal. For one, the fee seemed low—especially in a market where unproven teenagers are being sold for tens of millions. But even more telling was the impact Mejbri made in his first few weeks in Spain.
Since joining Sevilla, Mejbri has:
Earned a spot in the starting XI within weeks.
Registered assists and consistently high passing stats.
Been praised by Spanish media for his quick adaptation and technical superiority.
Become a fan favorite for his passion and aggressive style of play—traits Sevilla value highly.
Former players and pundits in both England and Spain have questioned why United didn’t keep him, especially as midfield issues continue to plague the team. With injuries, inconsistency, and lack of creativity in United’s midfield, fans are already beginning to ask: Could Mejbri have filled that gap?
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Is Ruben Amorim to Blame?
The arrival of Ruben Amorim was seen as the beginning of a new era—a young, modern coach with a clear tactical philosophy and a strong record of developing youth at Sporting CP. However, his decision to allow Mejbri to leave has led to growing criticism.
Some analysts argue that Amorim may have judged Mejbri too quickly, focusing on immediate tactical fit rather than long-term potential. Others suggest that Amorim preferred a leaner squad and didn’t see Mejbri as a starter—especially with players like Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, and Bruno Fernandes occupying central roles.
But with Mejbri thriving in Spain and United struggling to control midfield battles in key matches, the optics aren’t great. If Mejbri continues to develop and commands a much higher fee in a future move, Amorim could be forced to answer for letting such a gem slip through his fingers.
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A Pattern of Poor Transfer Decisions?
This incident feeds into a broader concern about Manchester United’s recent transfer record, especially with young players. Over the past decade, several promising youngsters have either been sold too soon or mismanaged, only to shine elsewhere. Examples include:
Angel Gomes, who left for Lille and has become a key player in Ligue 1.
James Garner, sold to Everton, where he’s established himself as a dependable Premier League midfielder.
Andreas Pereira, who was undervalued at United but has found form at Fulham.
Now, Mejbri appears to be the latest addition to a growing list of United academy graduates excelling after leaving Old Trafford.
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What United Are Missing Right Now
As Mejbri proves his worth at Sevilla, United are facing familiar problems:
Lack of energy in midfield.
Difficulty progressing the ball under pressure.
Limited creativity when Bruno Fernandes is off-form.
A shortage of midfielders who can both press and play forward quickly.
Mejbri’s strengths align closely with these weaknesses. His pressing intensity, ball retention, and vertical passing could have added a new dimension to United’s midfield, especially in a squad where youth is being promoted (see: Mainoo).
In hindsight, keeping Mejbri—even as a rotational player—might have been a better long-term move than selling him cheaply.
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What This Means for Amorim’s United Tenure
Every manager is allowed one or two transfer misses. But when a young, club-developed player is allowed to leave for a cut-price fee and immediately impresses, it reflects poorly on the decision-makers. For Amorim, who is still building trust with the squad and fanbase, this could become a lingering point of contention.
If United struggle to find midfield balance this season, or if Mejbri continues his upward trajectory, Amorim may face pressure over whether he made the right call. He has spoken of building a team for the future—but letting go of one of the most talented academy graduates of recent years may not fit that narrative.
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The Final Word: Mistake or Misunderstanding?
Ultimately, Mejbri’s departure may be remembered as a case of poor timing and misjudged value. United gave up on a high-ceiling player at the very moment he was about to break out—and they may have done so for less than his worth.
For Sevilla, it looks like a shrewd bit of business. For United, it may be an expensive lesson in patience and player development. And for Ruben Amorim, it’s a decision that could come back to haunt him if Mejbri’s performances continue to rise while United continue to struggle in midfield.
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