Manchester United transfer news: Hannibal Mejbri explains move from Monaco

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has acquired the 16-year-old in a deal thought to be worth £9.3m

French wonderkid Hannibal Mejbri insists it is an “honour” to be joining Manchester United from AS Monaco.

United have swooped in to sign the 16-year-old for a reported fee of €10m (£9.3m), winning the race for the centre-midfielder after previous links to Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

And Mejbri has revealed his delight at the move and the initial plans the Red Devils have for the next step of his career.

“It is an honour. Manchester United have a great history and are reputed for the way they develop young talent. It will allow me to progress to try to play one day with the biggest and the best,” Mejbri told Le Parisien (via Get French Football).

“I have watched a lot of videos from the past. Huge names have worn the Manchester United shirt, it is an honour to come after them.

“Initially, I am going to join up with the Under-18s. If I am able to get into the first team in two years time, that would be great. Aside from that, everything depends on me.

“Physically, I am going to have to improve somewhat. I do not yet know how my body is going to evolve. If I have to turn my attention to that side of things, I will, but without losing my technical ability and my on-pitch vision.

Mejbri insists Pogba is one of his inspirations, though he is aware of the greats from United’s past when outlining the players who come to mind when he thinks about the club.

“There is of course Pogba. In terms of the older ones, Ronaldo, Beckham and Cantona,” Mejbri adds.

“When I went to Manchester, all that people would talk to me about was him. Over there, he is considered a king, whilst in France, he does not possess the same aura.”