Former Manchester United midfielder Luke Chadwick has named the biggest decision Erik ten Hag will have to make ahead of Sunday's derby.
Ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford in May and this weekend will be the first time he has experienced the Manchester derby as a manager. After a bumpy start, United have turned a corner this campaign and go into the match against City on a four game winning run.
The Reds sit fifth in the Premier League table, five points behind the Blues having played a game less. United will have a number of selection dilemmas following the international break with plenty of Ten Hag's men having impressed with their national teams.
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But speaking to Caught Offside, Chadwick believes that Casemiro's role on Sunday will be crucial to the overall result. "I think the biggest decision Ten Hag has to make is with Casemiro," he explained.
"This is a massive game, but it’s the kind of big game he’s got a lot of experience playing in. But [Scott] McTominay has performed very, very well alongside Eriksen, so if everyone’s fit I’d imagine the manager would be tempted to stick with the team that’s played so well in the last few games.
"I think they’ve earned the opportunity to keep that run going. Obviously having Casemiro and [Cristiano] Ronaldo on the bench, those are great options, but I think since the game’s away from home, [Marcus] Rashford in particular needs to start over Ronaldo up front – his pace on the break could be crucial in a game where City are likely to have most of the ball."
Despite Pep Guardiola's team being the favourites with the bookies, Chadwick is confident that Ten Hag's team can keep their run of form going in the league. "I’m excited about the game, United have had a good record at the Etihad in recent years," he added.
"This is now a real test of where the club is at. Arsenal have obviously had a great start, but you’d probably have to say that Manchester City are the best team in the league this season, and this game could be a real signal in terms of where United are currently at.
"I think it could be a good thing for United to go there as underdogs, as we’ve seen in some recent Manchester derbies. I’d love to see them get a result, but you also feel you’d take a draw on the day."
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