Manchester United registered their third clean sheet in their last five matches with a comfortable 2-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol at the Zimbru Stadium in Moldova on Thursday evening.
28.08.2022 - 12:09 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Former striker Michael Owen believes Casemiro's addition to the squad could further impact Manchester United captain Harry Maguire's prospects of winning his place back in Erik ten Hag's plans.
Maguire, who found himself under constant scrutiny last season, was left out of the starting line-up for the second game in succession on Saturday, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez once again preferred at centre-back for the 1-0 win over Southampton at St Mary's. The duo started alongside each other against Liverpool too, with Varane preferred to Maguire, and formed a promising-looking partnership.
They each played their part on the South Coast, helping United register their first away win of the season and a first clean sheet on the road since December last year, leaving Maguire with an uphill struggle to win his place back.
READ MORE: United's Bruno Fernandes responds to goal criticism after scoring vs Southampton
His hopes of doing so, in the eyes of Owen, however, have not been helped by the signing of Casemiro. The Brazilian international, who stepped off the bench to make his United debut against Southampton, has been brought to Old Trafford to beef up United's midfield and offer a layer of protection to the defensive rearguard behind him.
Therefore, should he help United's back-four build on Saturday's first clean sheet of the season and it becomes a regular habit, Maguire could face a difficult challenge to dislodge either Varane or Martinez from the team.
"He [Ten Hag] has now got a bit of protection as well with Casemiro signing, so I think that whole situation is looking good at the moment," Owen told Premier League Productions. "Where does that leave Maguire?
"He has got a really big decision to make.
Manchester United registered their third clean sheet in their last five matches with a comfortable 2-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol at the Zimbru Stadium in Moldova on Thursday evening.
Here are your Manchester United evening headlines for Friday, September 16.
Manchester United's 2-1 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford last month will be recognised as the turning point in Erik ten Hag's tenure.
England boss Gareth Southgate has named his squad for the final two games before this year's World Cup.
Manchester United have been told who should become their next captain by former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit.
The Latino-Dutch defence
Manchester United endured one of their worst seasons in decades last term. A squad bereft of confidence and ideas tallied their lowest ever Premier League points haul as clear fractions between players emerged on the pitch.
Eric Bailly says the Marseille president’s knowledge of his playing career convinced him further that a move to France was right.
Anthony Martial is still unavailable for Manchester United in their opening Europa League tie against Real Sociedad.
Eric Bailly has claimed Manchester United have favoured picking English players in the starting XI during his time at the club.
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has admitted that he and his teammates will continue to put pressure on summer signing Antony after he marked his debut with a goal in Sunday's 3-1 win over Arsenal.
Michael Owen believes Erik ten Hag's history with Antony is a good indicator that he will be a success at Manchester United. Antony, 22, completed his dream transfer to Old Trafford hours before the summer window closed on Thursday night.
Love Island star Luca Bish has been snapped alongside girlfriend Gemma Owen and her famous dad Michael Owen for the first time. Luca, 23, who recently revealed his new career move, was pictured with the father and daughter alongside staff at Manor House Stables and their racing horses, Brad the Brief, Flaming Rib and Dubawi Legend as they prepared for Saturday’s Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock Park. Luca and Gemma, 19, were all smiles as they posed with former footballer Michael, 42, in the first snap of Gemma’s dad and new boyfriend together.
Manchester United fans are all saying the same thing about Lisandro Martinez, with the defender dominating the club's official player of the month poll.
Lisandro Martinez had already endeared himself to the Manchester United faithful, but an interaction with the travelling support in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Southampton will have bolstered his status.
Rio Ferdinand believes that being named captain in Manchester United's previous two matches had a positive impact on Bruno Fernandes.
Raphael Varane has revealed why he wanted to keep the shirt number he first wore at Real Madrid when he completed his move to Manchester United a year ago. United signed the French defender on a four-year deal worth £42million a year ago, and he quickly established himself as a key player at the club.
Bruno Fernandes has urged Manchester United's dressing room to maintain high standards for the rest of the season.
Erik ten Hag has named an unchanged Manchester United team for Southampton because he wanted to show trust in the players that started against Liverpool.