Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has to start Raphael Varane in Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
The Red Devils ended their Premier League campaign on a high note with back-to-back victories, but they failed to qualify for European football.
The club still have plenty to play for. They can secure silverware by beating City in the FA Cup final. A win would also guarantee a place in the Europa League group stage.
Ten Hag must start Varane alongside Lisandro Martinez in the heart of the defence.
Casemiro had an impressive outing at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. He won six tackles, made five clearances and blocked as many shots on goal.
Despite this, United need a a specialist for the big occasion. Varane had a 28-minute cameo coming off the bench against Brighton and showed his quality on the ball.
The Frenchman completed 100 percent of his passes and won 100 percent of his duels. He did not lose possession once while blocking one shot from the opposition.
Varane may not be fit enough to last the entire game at Wembley, but he will have a point to prove in his final United appearance.
Casemiro should still make the Red Devils’ starting line-up. Sofyan Amrabat looked out of sorts against Brighton’s high press and was guilty of losing possession.
Like Amrabat, Casemiro has also been found wanting this term, but Ten Hag should back the Brazilian’s big-game experience alongside Kobbie Mainoo in midfield.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.
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