Hannibal ‘sends’ message to Erik ten Hag as Man Utd target’s price tag revealed

Manchester United are back in action tomorrow afternoon as they face Leeds United for the second time in five days. The Red Devils will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag will once again be without a number of key players including Antony, Anthony Martial and Casemiro. The latter will serve the final match of his suspension following his red card against Crystal Palace and will return to the fold in the Europa League midweek.

Ahead of tomorrow’s clash, we take a look at the latest headlines from Old Trafford...

Hannibal heroics

Hannibal Mejbri went viral yesterday as he netted a goal of the season contender during Birmingham City’s win over West Brom. The midfielder scored a superb free-kick to give the Blues the lead an early lead at St Andrew’s and a clip of his goal quickly made headlines.

Following the win, Hannibal was asked about his future at Manchester United. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I just need to focus and stay focused… I’m sure he [Ten Hag] has Sky! But I just need to focus until the end of the season and then we will see what happens in the summer.”

Hannibal joined Birmingham City on loan in August and has become a regular under John Eustace, making 24 appearances and providing five assists. His stunner against the Baggies was his first goal in senior football.

David Raya asking price

Thomas Frank has hinted at how much money Brentford would accept to part ways with David Raya as the goalkeeper continues to be linked with a move away. Man United are thought to be interested in bringing the Spaniard in as a replacement for David De Gea.

Raya joined the Bees from Blackburn Rovers in 2019 and helped them win promotion to the Premier League, establishing himself as one of the top flight’s best shotstoppers. Meanwhile, De Gea’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain as he approaches the final months of his contract.

After Raya revealed that he had turned down two new contract offers from Brentford, Frank was quizzed about the 27-year-old’s potential departure ahead of their trip to Arsenal. The Dane said: “I think if he turns it [a contract offer] down twice then unfortunately that’s a signal.

“I hope he will stay forever but it looks like it could be difficult with the contract situation. He must be [worth] at least £40m plus. If he had three years [left on his contract] it would be £70m. How much was Kepa? He is at least as good as him.”

Raya will only have a year left on his contract in the summer, giving United a potential advantage in negotiations. Brentford paid only £3 million for his signature four years ago.