3.2 long balls/game: "Exemplary" Man Utd star is poised to start vs Sunderland - opinion

Manchester United take on Sunderland in Saturday’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

Ahead of the game, there could be a few changes from the 3-1 defeat to Brentford on the road.

We have already predicted Senne Lammens to make his debut between the sticks.

Alongside him, Amad Diallo and Leny Yoro should be reinstated into the XI by manager Ruben Amorim.

There could be another change in the heart of the midfield with Casemiro coming in for Manuel Ugarte.

The Brazil international served a one-game suspension last weekend after his red card against Chelsea.

We believe Casemiro will be drafted straight back into the line-up ahead of Ugarte tomorrow.

United are yearning for an elite defensive midfielder who can control proceedings in the centre of the park.

Neither Casemiro nor Ugarte seem to be the perfect solution, but the former has an extra attribute in our view.

The former Real Madrid man is no longer in his prime, but his quality of distribution makes him apart from Ugarte.

Casemiro, described as ‘exemplary‘ by Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti this week, averages 3.2 accurate long balls in the league this term alongside 2.6 chip passes.

In comparison, Ugarte has managed only 0.8 long balls with 1.2 accurate chip passes. These statistics are quite identical from the previous Premier League season.

Casemiro can also provide line-breaking and defensive-splitting passes, which is not a strength of Ugarte’s.

Hence, the experienced midfielder will most likely be reinstated into the starting XI against the Black Cats.

Saturday’s game appears a must-win for United and Amorim. Any other outcome could lead to more scrutiny over the Portuguese’s position during the international break.

The Black Cats have had a good start after promotion with 11 points, four more than United. The Red Devils must put in a strong showing to beat the Wearside outfit.

Stats from Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .