Manchester United have been desperate for a top class holding midfielder for years and now Erik ten Hag has one of the very best.
The signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid was a surprising one, but it will bring a protection to the United back four that has been so clearly absent.
Despite the shock victory against Liverpool, defeats against Brighton and Brentford have highlighted the problem in the engine room for the Reds.
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Whilst it can be easily argued that United need another midfielder, there is still the chance that their current midfield is the one that goes forward into the rest of the season.
With doubts that Cristiano Ronaldo will remain at the club, there is a significant need for reinforcements in attack. A back-up goalkeeper is also a need for Ten Hag.
If by the time the transfer window slams shut next week, and United have not added another midfielder, then there will be a debate to who joins Casemiro in the midfield for the majority of the campaign.
The pivot partner
The Brazilian will operate as the number six in the midfield. He will likely have a number eight alongside him in the pivot and a playmaker in the number ten position ahead of him.
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However, importantly, the player next to Casemiro will need to have serious progressive responsibilities.
Looking at the options, it seems that it is between four different players: Fred, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek.
Fred has seen success with the 30-year-old at national level. They have lost just once in 20 games together for Brazil when starting together.
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He has also shown to be more effective when in a role further forward, rather than at the base of the engine room. That was evident under Ralf Rangnick last term when he was one of the standout players in a bleak season.
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Fred's tenacious playstyle can sometimes cause issues, however, as he is inconsistent with his progressiveness and ability to break a press.
Despite some issues in the opening fixtures, Eriksen is more reliable in these instances and with increased game-time he will be a great option alongside Casemiro.
His range of passing is superb and playing alongside Casemiro, who can hold the majority of the weight defensively, it could end up working well.
Those two are the more likely options, and with a long season ahead it would not be a surprise to see them switch as the campaign progresses.
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McTominay will prove useful in certain games and will be able to operate in a role more complimentary to him if Casemiro is sitting next to him. Meanwhile Van de Beek will have struggles getting into the side straight away.
But, once there is more groundwork laid, he could be useful when United are looking to dominate fixtures. He could even be utilised further forward if Bruno Fernandes does not significantly improve his form.
Who plays ahead of the two?
Speaking of the Portuguese magnifico, he splits opinions currently. After an extraordinary first two years with the club, he has failed to impact games like he had done previously in the last 12 months.
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Starting all three games as the number ten so far this season, it is clear that he is the main option there currently.
But, that spot does not seem as safe as it has done previously. Fred's form could also be important in who operates ahead.
If he shows that he can partner Casemiro in a similar vein to how he does for his country, then Eriksen could attempt to push his way into the side instead of United's no.8.
Bruno can definitely offer many positives, with his work rate being brilliant against Jurgen Klopp's side on Monday. That can help Ten Hag's pressing plans as long as he develops more discipline in that regard.
At the moment, Bruno will be the option for the Dutch manager in that position, but Ten Hag has already shown that he is not afraid to be ruthless in his team selection and that could be a possible decision that he will make in the near future.
Featured Image Credit: Manchester UnitedTopics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Fred, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Scott Mctominay, Premier League, Casemiro