Robbie Fowler has claimed that Manchester United's chances of knocking his former club Liverpool out of the Europa League this evening will be enhanced if Marouane Fellaini is played as a centre-forward.

During last week's first leg, which the Merseysiders won 2-0, Fellaini was used in a holding midfield role by United manager Louis van Gaal.

If the Red Devils are to overturn that deficit at Old Trafford tonight, pushing Fellaini further forward to utilise his physical attributes is a must, according to Fowler.

"Liverpool's back four, along with the holding midfielders, have improved but they can be got at," he wrote in his New Day column.

"United will have to work hard to break them down but have a weapon that could be utilised more - Marouane Fellaini.

"The Belgian likes to put in heavy challenges and make the defenders feel like they're in a game. If you do that at home, and put the defenders under duress, you're a better chance at getting the upper hand."

Fellaini has scored two goals from his 27 appearances in all competitions this season.