Manchester United's midfield has been a constant headache for Erik ten Hag during a concerning start to the season but recent weeks may finally have given him some pain relief.
United endured a dismal start to their Premier League campaign, losing three of their first five games and conceding 10 goals in the process.
In all matches, including tight wins over Wolves and Nottingham Forest, opposition teams seemed to have complete freedom in the middle of the pitch with Casemiro exposed.
Their issues were particularly evident in the 2-0 defeat at Tottenham in August. In just their second game of the season, United saw their midfield completely overrun by Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr while James Maddison was constantly in space. ALSO READ: United hoping to have at least three players back vs Palace ALSO READ: United to host Newcastle in Carabao Cup fourth round Ten Hag fielded a midfield three of Casemiro, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes in north London and that trio was widely regarded to be the Dutchman's first-choice unit for the season.