Manchester United might only have one game to solve unthinkable Casemiro problem

Erik ten Hag did the previously unthinkable for Manchester United at half-time against Brentford.

While the Dutchman no doubt berated his players for yet another dismal 45 minutes, he opted to hook Casemiro; one man so important to the upturn last season. Following his brilliant debut season at Old Trafford, though, there is now a major question mark over the Brazilian powerhouse with a massive game around the corner.

Bragging rights will be put on the line for the first time this campaign soon after the international break when United welcome their treble-winning neighbours to Old Trafford on Sunday, October 29 (3.30pm). Casemiro is by no means a certainty to be jotted on the teamsheet for that derby showdown.

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Within four-and-a-bit manic days at the club's iconic home, the former Real Madrid enforcer was sent off and then hooked off to leave his once-guaranteed place in the line-up in jeopardy. It speaks volumes that his biggest impact, this season, has been when providing an unlikely - but welcome - source for goals.

Casemiro is, remarkably, the top-scorer for United so far this season, with four strikes in all competitions. But there remains something glaringly absent from his usually-reliable defensive game.

"I wanted more football," explained Ten Hag after replacing Casemiro with Christian Eriksen at the interval during a dramatic victory over Brentford on Saturday afternoon. It was another midfielder, unfancied Scott McTominay, who then stole the headlines with a stoppage-time double that will go down in Premier League folklore.

"[I wanted] one who brings passing, distribution