Wes Brown tips ‘game changer’ Hannibal to make first start under Rangnick this weekend

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Hannibal has been tipped by Wes Brown to make it into Manchester United’s first team this weekend.

The Tunisia international has been training with the first team regularly through the season, although has played his football with the under-23s.

With no under-23 game this weekend, there is an increase chance he could be involved when United host bottom side Norwich.

Hannibal was an unusused substitute last weekend as United slumped to a 1-0 loss to Everton. Bringing in Hannibal is one way to freshen things up.

A chance to step up

Hannibal made his first team debut as a late substitute on the final day of last season against Wolves.

This was more of a token gesture from former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, than the start of regular minutes.

Hannibal has since gone on to represent Tunisia 11 times at international level, including playing in the AFCON in January.

He has played well for the under-23s over the past month, and in a stop-start season he has one goal and four assists.

Ralf Rangnick has picked him in his squad semi-regularly, Hannibal has been an unused substitute five times under the German manager, including last weekend.

Former United star Wes Brown believes Hannibal should get a chance. He told the club website: “Hannibal, for instance. He is that sort of player to maybe change games.

“I still think you have to play your strongest squad but if he’s earned it, I don’t see why not.”

United will be favourites to beat Norwich despite the team’s poor recent form, and it is hard to say there are many first team players who deserve to keep their places.

The team are light in midfield due to injuries to Fred and Scott McTominay, and it could make more sense to start a player like Hannibal and look to the future, rather than the likes of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic who are on their way out.

Rangnick will probably take the safe option and Hannibal will have to settle for a place on the bench, but there is a good chance he gets on this week, and from there, he will have to seize his opportunity.