Manchester United midfielder Casemiro could be in line for first start against Arsenal
- Scott Allen
- 2 September 2022
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag is considering giving Casemiro his first start for the clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Fred joined Casemiro in coming off the bench to see out a meticulous 1-0 win over Leicester which had Ten Hag's fingerprints on it - a far cry from last month's shambolic 4-0 loss at Brentford.
The 30-year-old has started from the bench in both matches since joining from Real Madrid for an initial £60million.
Anthony Martial will again be missing for Manchester United and ten Hag is still weighing up how best to use big-money signing Antony against Arsenal.
"It (Casemiro) is an option but I also have to (think it over)," the United manager said. "I have seen Arsenal, a tough opponent.
"They've started really well, as we all know. In the season you can see there's a team who are longer together, with a coach who is bringing his philosophy in the team, so for us it's a good test.
"I'm really looking forward (to it) and we will pick the right XI to start.
"But as you see, it's not only a team. We have a squad.
"The subs who came on did really well, so I'm happy with that and that is what we have to construct further."
An Achilles complaint ruled Martial out of the away triumphs at Southampton and Leicester, with the forward missing when table-topping Arsenal come to Old Trafford.
"Anthony Martial will not be involved for Sunday," Ten Hag said. "I cannot tell in this moment (when he will be available again)."
Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka's availability is less clear after the full-back's both missed Thursday's 1-0 win at the King Power Stadium with "small complaints".
Asked about their availability for Sunday, Ten Hag said: "It's difficult to say when I talk about Luke Shaw and Aaron."
Antony could also find himself starting from the bench.
The Brazil forward reunites with his former Ajax boss in the north west having completed his signing for £80.6million plus add-ons ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline.
"(Thursday) he did his first training, individual," Ten Hag said.
"(Friday) we have a team session and Saturday we have a team session, so I will think about it and then we will take a decision."
