12 May 2024 , 15:18
676
0
Stubborn Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag stuck by Casemiro and handed young winger Amad a surprise first Premier League start of the season against Arsenal.
As United welcomed the title-chasing Gunners to Old Trafford, Casemiro was once again picked at centre-back over young defender Willy Kambwala, who returned from injury to make the bench. 32-year-old Casemiro was panned for his performance during Monday's humiliating 4-0 loss away to Crystal Palace and hasn't been included in Brazil's squad for the Copa America.
Amad was notably given the nod on the right flank instead of Antony, having not been picked to start a single top-flight game since returning from injury in late December. There was also a notable selection choice in midfield, with Sofyan Amrabat - who didn't fare much better than Casemiro against Palace - chosen over Christian Eriksen.
Scott McTominay returned from injury, unlike Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, the latter of whom failed a late fitness test after missing the bruising loss at Selhurst Park. "In the last moment, Bruno could not make it," Ten Hag confirmed to Sky Sports.
On keeping the same back four from the 4-0 hammering, the embattled United boss explained: "We don't have options there and that is the only options we have. You have to protect them. The full-backs and the midfield have to do better - it is about taking responsibility."
World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow
Ten Hag went on to say: "I expect a big response. They were far below the standard against Palace. In my team talk I talked about the support from the fans at Palace."
Also speaking to Sky before the match, United goalkeeper Andre Onana said: "We have spoken about it [the Palace defeat], the best way is to react on the pitch. We have a lot of determination, we are coming here to win. Tough opposition, but we are ready.
Your turn! Will Manchester United beat Arsenal? Let us know your score prediction in the comments section
Amad was given his first Premier League start of the season (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)"The most important thing is to win. We know what is happening this season, but there are no excuses. This is Manchester United. It's not about Arsenal, it's about us. We know what we have to do on the pitch. It's an important game for us and we know what is coming."
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, chosen to start at left-back instead of team-mates Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior, described game as a must-win. Tomiyasu added to Sky: "Obviously it is a must-win game for us because Manchester City won yesterday and we need three points.
"It won't be an easy one but we are confident of getting three points. To be honest we don't have to care about Manchester City, we have to focus on ourselves and now it is the moment to focus on that. Their game is finished and now we play. We are fully focused on ourselves."
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our