Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka might return to the Manchester United starting lineup against Manchester City on Sunday.
Manchester United will be desperate for all three points when they welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford for the first Manchester Derby of the season on Sunday afternoon. And Erik ten Hag has seen his squad’s injury woes ease considerably ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring) and Casemiro (ankle) have resumed training this week after recovering from their respective injuries. And Erik ten Hag discussed the duo’s fitness update during his pre-match press conference.
Speaking about Casemiro, the Dutch tactician said, “Case is a race against the clock. He is not 100 per cent. He will do everything he can to be part of it, to start the game, but we have to see. We have some hours to go.”
Responding to questions surrounding Wan-Bissaka and his availability, he said, “Yes, Aaron was training today.” The Dutchman also provided a general fitness update in a separate conversation with MUTV. He said, “[There are] not so many changes, no [to the squad].”
Casemiro will likely face a late fitness test to determine his availability. But judging by ten Hag’s comments, Wan-Bissaka should be fit enough to start against Manchester City. The 25-year-old should replace Diogo Dalot in the starting lineup.
Wan-Bissaka’s recovery pace will be crucial against a player like Jeremy Doku. So, he will join Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, and Sergio Reguilon in the backline. The defensive quartet will protect Andre Onana between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Casemiro will start alongside Sofyan Amrabat in the double pivot if he proves his fitness ahead of the game. But Scott McTominay will accompany Amrabat in the middle of the park if the Brazilian international cannot feature from the get-go.
The only other question mark for the starting lineup will be the choice between Antony and Mason Mount. But ten Hag has preferred the Brazilian international in recent games, and the former Ajax man should feature on the right flank. Finally, Bruno Fernandes will reprise his usual role as the no. 10, with Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund retaining their spots up front.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; Casemiro, Amrabat; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
