Manchester United must decide who starts in midfield against Liverpool this weekend at Anfield.

Bruno Fernandes has been suspended for Manchester United’s match against Liverpool this weekend.

It has forced manager Erik ten Hag to make a difficult decision: who will replace Bruno Fernandes against Liverpool?

Scott McTominay, with two defensive midfielders behind him, could be the obvious answer. Donny van de Beek could likewise be tossed to the wolves in order to make a rare appearance. But there’s a more explosive option…

Hannibal v Liverpool

Former Manchester United defender David May stated on MUTV radio commentary following Manchester United’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich that he wants Manchester United’s players to’show some balls’ against Liverpool.

Last season, United lost 7-0 at Anfield due to a lack of fight and passion as well as defensive consistency.

Hannibal Mejbri is the one man Manchester United can count on to demonstrate fight and spirit against Liverpool this week.

Hannibal is a fierce player that will fight for his side and is capable of energizing both opponents and the audience.

This may be a negative thing for United if it gets their fans riled up against Anfield, but their fans will be clamoring for blood anyhow. Choosing a player who will embrace it may be the best option.

Hannibal made an impression for Manchester United at Anfield in 2022, coming on for the final six minutes of a defeat to Ralf Rangnick.

In his brief cameo, he displayed more spirit than the rest of the starters, with Gary Neville telling Sky Sports: “At least the kid showing a bit of something.” He’s sprinting to make a tackle and demonstrating to the others.

“I’m quite proud of him. Perhaps he doesn’t like the rest of them passing by. I wish the rest were like this. To be honest, that youngster is giving it his all.”

Hannibal provides relentless sprinting, vitality, and the type of character Manchester United may require to achieve success.

Option with a high level of risk

Among all the possibilities available to Erik ten Hag, choosing Hannibal remains the most perilous.

Hannibal will be eager to battle, perhaps too eager. He is just as likely to be sent off as he is to score a goal.

Manchester United cannot afford to go down to ten men at Anfield and make an already difficult task even more difficult.

Ten Hag may have to gamble at this point. His position is already being discussed. Why not go out on a high note?

Hannibal is more likely to see time off the bench than as a starter, but if Ten Hag truly wants to swing for the fences, include the Tunisian in his starting lineup is the ultimate risk.

If Jurgen Klopp’s or Erik ten Hag’s game plan backfires, Hannibal is the nuclear option.