Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has barred Hannibal Mejbri from leaving on loan in January while the Red Devils await the return of Casemiro and Mason Mount.
The Tunisian international will not be permitted to leave Manchester United on loan this month until Ten Hag is satisfied with his midfield options.
Mejbri has withdrawn from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in order to settle his future.
This season, he has made nine appearances for United.
Ten Hag admires the 20-year-old’s persistence, but he wants him to earn more playing time to help him improve.
However, with Casemiro and Mount presently out, United is lacking in midfield alternatives.
Christian Eriksen has only recently returned from a five-week absence, while Sofyan Amrabat has missed Ten Hag’s previous two games.
The United manager wants to see Casemiro and Mount return before approving Mejbri’s departure.
Hannibal spent last season on loan at Birmingham, where he appeared in 38 games.
He is willing to return to Birmingham for the remainder of the season.
