Casemiro’s influence at Manchester United described by David de Gea ahead of Arsenal suspension

Casemiro has been one of Manchester United’s best players this season and the Brazilian will be a “massive” miss against Arsenal on Sunday according to David de Gea.

He signed for The Reds in the summer from Real Madrid as he looked to challenge himself in the Premier League and he’s adapted with ease.

Erik ten Hag’s men have slowly been improving throughout the season and Casemiro has been vital to that progress but will be unavailable to face the league leaders after his fifth booking of the season in United’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.

De Gea, 32, has also been impressive since his early season blunders against Brighton and Brentford. He was excellent at Selhurst Park but no goalkeeper would’ve been able to get across to Michael Olise’s last-minute free-kick dagger on Wednesday evening.

United’s no.1 expressed his unhappiness at the Premier League’s fixture listing after the visit to south London was placed between games against Manchester City and Arsenal. In particular, the fact that his Brazilian general will be missing in front of him is a disappointment.

“Massive. Massive,” he said of the loss of Casemiro. “We played [Wednesday] and they don’t.

“We have a massive miss for Sunday’s game, one of the best players of the team. So going to be a big miss. We have more players who want to play and will show their qualities.”

Since United’s summer signing from Madrid came into the side after the 6-3 loss against City in October, Ten Hag’s men have lost just once and since have been unbeaten in 10 games.

The reaction from Ten Hag and his staff, as well as the players on the pitch, when Casemiro received his yellow card against Palace showed exactly how important he’s become at Old Trafford.

“Experience, a lot of experience,” replied De Gea when asked what the Brazilian brings to the team.

“All over the pitch he’s helping the team, on defensive, on attacking, he’s one of the best in the world in his position for sure. His experience is unbelievable and he’s great to have in the team.”

Ten Hag will need to change his midfield set-up at The Emirates and has a number of different options he can go with.

Should The Reds get three points, they will lift themselves to within five points of the Premier League summit.