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Ten Hag: Casemiro could play against Southampton on Saturday

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has said the club’s new midfielder, Casemiro, could make his debut at Southampton on Saturday.

Casemiro moved from Real Madrid to Man United in a £60 million ($71 million) deal and was presented to fans prior to Monday’s 2-1 win against Liverpool.

Hag, on Friday, said the 30-year-old Brazilian could feature for the first time in this weekend’s trip to St Mary’s.

He, however, stated that France striker, Anthony Martial, will not feature for the club after suffering an Achilles injury.

Martial returned as a half-time substitute against Liverpool and provided the assist for Marcus Rashford’s goal, but an Achilles issue means he is absent again this weekend.

Ten Hag said: “Casemiro is fit. He did all the training sessions. He trained first individually and the last days he trained with the team.

“Martial came out with a problem on his Achilles, out of the game, so we have to wait.

“I cannot tell a prognosis, how long it takes. I hope he will be available for the next game.”

Martial’s absence underlines the paucity of central attacking options for Ten Hag aside from unsettled star Cristiano Ronaldo, who is reportedly keen to leave the club.

United have been linked with Ajax forward Antony as well as a new backup goalkeeper.

Asked if he expects it to be a busy week in the transfer market, the coach said: We need players, clear, but we need the right players.

“That is what we said the whole transfer window and we are happy with what we did until now but the barrier has to be high.”

The Star