Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag should consider starting Casemiro ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday.
That's an opinion held by Danny Murphy, who believes the Dutchman must get his midfield selection spot on as the Red Devils try and record their first win against Manchester City since the 2020/21 season. Pep Guardiola's men did the double over their city rivals last term and secured a 4-1 victory when the two teams last met back in March.
Kevin de Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez grabbed a brace each, while Jadon Sancho scored the Red Devils' only goal as City recorded a comfortable win at the Etihad Stadium. However, United are a different proposition nowadays under Ten Hag and they are searching for their fifth successive Premier League victory.
A reason behind United's upturn in form is Ten Hag's midfield, with Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen working well in that area. However, Murphy admitted that Casemiro could make his way into the side given his experience and quality in big matches.
Writing in his latest BBC Sport column, former Liverpool midfielder Murphy said: "Manchester United's midfield has played a big part in the recent resurgence by Erik ten Hag's side — but it's absolutely crucial he gets that area right at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
"Ten Hag has to decide whether he keeps both Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes in there against Manchester City or chooses a more defensive-minded set-up and goes with two proper holding players this time.
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"With a player as good as Casemiro waiting in the wings for his first league start, the temptation must be to partner him with Scott McTominay to give extra protection."
Murphy added: "But if Ten Hag does that and leaves one of his more creative players out, then if United lose he will be asked why he changed a winning team and didn't go for it more [in an attacking sense].
"I think Ten Hag will stick with Eriksen and Fernandes — because of how well they've been playing — but if he doesn't change anything and loses, then he will face similar questions. People will say why bring in Casemiro and not use him in a game like this?"
Casemiro is yet to start a Premier League game for United since his big-money move from Real Madrid was confirmed prior to the Red Devils' 2-1 win over Liverpool. The 30-year-old came off the bench for his debut in the 1-0 success at Southampton before repeating the same feat in their win over Leicester City five days later.
This could be Ten Hag's chance to throw him into the side as United look to stop a ruthless City. Guardiola's men are the only unbeaten team, having won five of their seven matches so far.
