Ruben Amorim is expected to stick with the same starting XI that secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Sunderland when Manchester United face Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday. The Red Devils’ much-needed win against the Black Cats eased the pressure on beleaguered boss Amorim and propelled United into the top half of the Premier League table.
Despite Liverpool’s recent three-game losing streak across all competitions under Arne Slot, a trip to Anfield remains a formidable challenge for a United side who haven’t tasted victory there in nearly 10 years. Amorim’s selection of Mason Mount and Senne Lammens from the off against Sunderland suggests the pair are set to keep their spots for the Merseyside clash. Casemiro has been the preferred choice to partner Bruno Fernandes in midfield recently, but his involvement with Brazil during the international break presents a quandary for Amorim.
Casemiro, along with Mathues Cunha, featured in Brazil’s 5-0 thrashing of South Korea before suffering a shock 3-2 defeat to Japan on Tuesday.
The loss has piled more pressure on Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti ahead of next summer’s World Cup, particularly as it came after Brazil had established a two-goal lead.
However, the most significant news for United following Brazil’s Asian tour is that Casemiro played the full 90 minutes in both matches.
Despite captaining the side in two full matches on the other side of the world at 33, Casemiro’s preparation for Sunday’s domestic derby against Liverpool is far from ideal due to the physical and travel exertions.
Speaking to United’s website, he said: “I started to see a more gym focused side to me, where I tried to become stronger.
“We’re from Brazil, our main concern is quality with the ball, but it is important not to forget the physical side. In modern football, quality will always win, but the physical side is crucial too.
“For me, my favourite thing to train is core. 100 per cent – core. Everything must be trained, but core is the base for everything. What people see on the outside can be beautiful, but this is what is on the inside, you have to be strong. In football, there is lots of contact and collisions. So, it is the most important part of the body and of the exercises.”
Casemiro has already played 330 Premier League minutes this season, a figure that would have been higher had he not been sent off against Chelsea and subsequently missed the defeat at Brentford through suspension.
This leaves Amorim with a decision to make on whether Casemiro can play again against Liverpool or whether his playing time will need to be managed.
Should Casemiro be relegated to the bench, Manuel Ugarte – who filled in at Brentford – and Kobbie Mainoo would be the top candidates to join the team.
On the other hand, Cunha began Brazil’s victory over South Korea but was taken off with 10 minutes left, before being brought on as a substitute for the last half an hour against Japan.