Why Casemiro started at centre-back for Manchester United in Arsenal defeat

Erik ten Hag insists Casemiro was the only option Manchester United had at centre-back after he started in their 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

The Brazilian put in a decent display as a makeshift centre-back but was ultimately to blame for an inexcusable mistake that led to the only goal of the game.

Casemiro was slow in getting out of the United box after Andre Onana had initially cleared the ball and ended up playing Kai Havertz onside as he set up Leandro Trossard for the only goal of the game.

It was a controversial decision for Casemiro to keep his starting place after he had struggled so badly in the 4-0 loss against Crystal Palace earlier in the week, but speaking after the match Ten Hag insisted he was the only realistic option he had to start.

“I didn't have options,” he told reporters. “Kambwala was not fit, just returning from injury is not fit to start.” Asked if he had given any consideration to Scott McTominay playing in a makeshift central role, he added: "I haven't seen it but what I heard, was not always a success and I think he's better in that advanced position, higher up the pitch and there we had our problems.”

Casemiro could well keep his starting place in defence when United host Newcastle in midweek, with Ten Hag still waiting on Lisandro Martinez to return to match condition.