Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed that star midfielder Casemiro is better than Arsenal's Thomas Partey ahead of their huge clash in the Premier League this weekend.
Brazil international Casemiro moved to Old Trafford in the summer from Champions League winners Real Madrid in a deal worth up to £70m.
He has since been instrumental in United's resurgence under Erik ten Hag, and Ferdinand - who played alongside club legends such as Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick, was full of praise for the 30-year-old.
Speaking on his VIBE with FIVE podcast, he said: "In terms of whose more important to their team, you can argue for both sides. But when you throw the stats in, Casemiro wipes the floor with him. I don’t think Partey is good enough defensively to do what Casemiro is doing.
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"I don’t think he has the impact to do defensively what Casemiro is doing for Man United."
Premier League title race
There's still a long way to go but many people are earmarking Sunday's game between the two rivals as a big game in the race for the title.
Winning their last five league games has thrusted United into the conversation with their impressive 2-1 victory over champions City a big statement.
Meanwhile, Arteta's Gunners have only lost one game all season, but it was in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford back in September.
Whatever happens, it's likely to be an edge of the seat thriller with both Casemiro and Partey being instrumental in their sides' chances of victory.
The Brazilian has tackled the most players out of all of United's defensive midfielders this season and even beats Arsenal's Partey.
Ahead of their trip to North London the Red Devils must first overcome a tricky away fixture against Crystal Palace, and with Casemiro just one booking away from suspension it might be wise for Ten Hag to save him for Sunday.
Topics: Arsenal, Casemiro, Manchester United, Premier League, Rio Ferdinand, Thomas Partey, Football
Will Evans