Man Utd prepared to activate contingency plan to ease 'biggest problem' in squad

Manchester United are set to offer Hannibal Mejbri ample opportunity to impress Ralf Rangnick and force his way into the starting lineup.

Since Rangick was appointed as interim United boss, Mejbri has spent the majority of his time away on international duty.

The 19-year-old firstly helped Tunisia to the final of the Arab Cup, before representing his nation again in the Africa Cup of Nations.

But The Eagles of Carthage were dumped out at the quarter final stage, losing out to Burkina Faso over the weekend.

Mejbri was given allowance to take a break after his exertions in Cameroon, but according to Manchester Evening News, he has made it clear he will instead return to Manchester to train with the senior squad.

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The report suggests that Mejbri will still turn out for the Under-23s, but could now follow in the footsteps of Anthony Elanga, who has become a regular under the German tactician.

MEN Sport claim that several clubs were interested in signing the midfielder this month, but with little depth in the position, a loan move made little sense for both player and club.

United officials now deem the midfield situation as the biggest problem within the squad, particularly with Paul Pogba's future looking uncertain.

The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of the season and has yet to sign a new deal meaning he is free to talk to clubs to discuss a pre-contract agreement.

Elsewhere, Donny van de Beek is set to join Everton on loan for the rest of the season, reducing numbers in the middle of the park even further.

But rather than dip into the transfer market on the final day of the window, United will instead turn to Mejbri, who has promised to work hard to grab his chance.

He told Le Parisien early this month: "When I go back to United, we will see if there will be any changes for me and if I can try to earn a place in the team. In any case, I'll work hard for it."

And Rangnick now looks set to follow through on his promise to the highly-rated youngster, by making him a regular part of the senior group.

"We had 25 players in on Thursday and the only one missing was Paul Pogba" Rannick explained in December.

"Hannibal was here training for the first time since I arrived, having just come back from the Arab Cup.

"Unfortunately for us and for him he will be missing out again in January because of the Africa Cup of Nations.

"I watched the final before his substitution and I'm fully aware that we have another good, highly-talented player coming from our youth ranks and hopefully after the Africa Cup of Nations he can regularly train and be part of our group."