After recovering from a difficult start to the season, Manchester United need to find their way back into form following last weekend’s embarrassing 6-3 defeat to Manchester City.
United were underdogs in the game but there was still an expectation that they would compete on the night. That did, however, not happen.
City strolled through the 90 minutes and when the referee blew the half-time whistle, their 4-0 lead was perhaps a generous scoreline for United.
The character and determination showed in the previous four league games, all victories for Erik ten Hag’s men, had suddenly been undone.
The manner in which United lost to their bitter rivals will be damaging but for one player, it could offer a timely lifeline and that’s Casemiro, who was one of the biggest incomings at Old Trafford this summer.
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The 30-year-old is yet to start a game in the Premier League and Ten Hag’s preference for Scott McTominay even convinced him to bench Casemiro against Moldovan minnows FC Sheriff.
In truth, McTominay has started the season in stellar form and dropping him would be unfair and perhaps it still is but given the investment made, it would be surprising to see Casemiro remain on the bench.
It has already been reported that the Brazilian star is set for his first start in the Premier League next weekend as United eye a first win at Goodison Park since 2020.
Thus far, Ten Hag has been reluctant to play with two defensive midfielders and that means Casemiro’s inclusion in the side will most likely be at McTominay’s expense.
Ten Hag would not have pushed for the Casemiro deal if he did not believe he would strengthen the side. It must also be remembered that we are still only seven games into the season.
As for Casemiro, he will be desperate to get into good form ahead of this winter’s World Cup, where he is expected to anchor the midfield for his nation alongside Fred.
