"He is used to playing big games" - Ten Hag suggests Manchester United new signing could be unleashed against Arsenal

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is of the view that Red Devils' new signing Casemiro is ready to start against Arsenal on Sunday if needed.

Manchester United made a poor start to their life under Ten Hag, losing both of their first two Premier League matches. However, they have since turned things around by winning three games on the bounce.

The Red Devils have beaten Liverpool, Southampton, and Leicester City in their last three outings. They will be keen to continue building momentum when they host Arsenal at home today (September 4).

However, the Gunners have made a flying start to their 2022-23 campaign, winning each of their five matches so far. They currently sit atop the league table with 15 points to their name.

Ten Hag may thus need added help to put an end to the north London giants' invincible run. That is why today's match may be the perfect opportunity for the Dutchman to unleash Casemiro.

Manchester United forked out an initial sum of £60 million to acquire Casemiro's services from Real Madrid in the summer. The 30-year-old has since made two appearances for them, but is yet to start a game for the Red Devils.

Casemiro, though, could be handed his first start for the Red Devils against Arsenal this evening. Asked if the midfielder is ready to be unleashed, Ten Hag pointed out how the player is used to playing in big games at Real Madrid. He told Sky Sports [via @UtdDistrict on Twitter]:

"I think so. He is used to playing big games."

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While Ten Hag has suggested that Casemiro could start against Mikel Arteta's side, it remains to be seen if he will do so. Scott McTominay has been in good form recently, helping the Red Devils to wins against Liverpool, Southampton and Leicester.

How could today's result affect Arsenal and Manchester United's league standing?

A victory over the Gunners would see Manchester United earn 12 points to their name from six matches.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will be looking to increase their lead at the top of the table with a win at Old Trafford. They currently enjoy a one-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, with a game in hand.

Arteta's side will retain their place at the top of the table regardless of today's result. However, they will be determined to keep their winning start to the season intact.

About the author

Dakir is a European and Indian football journalist at Sportskeeda with an overall experience of 10 years. Holding a Master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication, and currently pursuing Master’s in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University, he is a seasoned football journalist who has interviewed the likes of former Liverpool star John Arne Riise, covered the entire 2022-23 Indian Super League season of the Kerala Blasters, and has delivered a seminar at an international conference held by St. Albert's College, Ernakulam.

Thanks to his extensive academic background in journalism, Dakir understands the importance of accuracy and spends a significant amount of time researching the subject. In today’s data-driven world of football, where players are perceived as machines, he prides himself amplify the voices of the people that make football the beautiful game that it is.

He started following football in 2013, and more specifically, Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool, and admires Jurgen Klopp for his untouched charisma and unmatched legacy. A perpetual underdog supporter, he is a fan of under-fire Reds forward Darwin Nunez and can’t wait for him to show the world what he truly is. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s iconic “corner taken quickly” corner assist for Divock Origi in Liverpool’s 4-0 UCL semifinal win over Barcelona left a lasting impact on him.

When not writing, Dakir enjoys indulging in his guilty pleasure - watching mass commercial movies.

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Edited by Dakir Mohammed Thanveer