Paul Merson says the absence of Casemiro will make it impossible for Manchester United to beat Arsenal on Sunday
The Brazilian was booked late on in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, his fifth of the season meaning he is required to sit out a one-match ban. Premier League rules state that those who pick up five bookings in their team’s first 19 games will be suspended.
Casemiro has been one of United’s best players this season and his unavailability comes as a big blow for the Reds. The 30-year-old was on the bench for United’s 3-1 victory over Arsenal in September, which is the Gunners’ only league defeat this season.
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Erik ten Hag has insisted he had a game plan to cope without the linchpin at the Emirates. He said this week: "We have to be really good and need a really good performance but if we do we have a good chance also to get out of that performance a good result. As I said, we beat Arsenal last time without Casemiro so we have an idea how to do it."
However, Merson feels as though the absence of the five-time Champions League winner will be too great a loss to overcome. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “If there was one player they [United] couldn’t afford to miss it was him.
“I think him and [Arsenal midfielder Thomas] Partey are the two best holding midfield players in the league by a country mile. He [Casemiro] is massive for them. He would have looked after Odegaard and broken the play up.”
He added: “I cannot see Man United beating Arsenal without Casemiro. They might get a draw - might - but I really thought with Casemiro in the team, I thought Arsenal suited Man United.
“I thought they’d sit back and defend and they could counter-attack, they’ve got very good players. I don’t see that now without him, he’s that highly rated by me and he’s that good. I don’t give Man United much of a chance.”
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