01 April 2023 , 11:37
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Paul Scholes believes Scott McTominay is the "perfect choice" to replace Casemiro in Manchester United's starting XI.
Casemiro is currently serving a four-game domestic suspension after being sent off against Southampton last month - his second red card of the season. The Brazil international has already ticked off one of the games after missing the 3-1 FA Cup win against Fulham.
Casemiro's ban has left Erik ten Hag scratching his head for a replacement, with Marcel Sabitzer, Fred and McTominay all pushing for a starting spot. Scholes believes McTominay should get the nod after his heroics for Scotland during the international break.
McTominay scored four goals during Scotland's Euro 2024 qualifying wins against Cyprus and Spain at Hampden. Steve Clarke's side were expected to beat Cyprus, but their 2-0 triumph against Spain - with McTominay bagging a brace - will live long in the memory.
Scholes believes McTominay will be full of confidence after his exploits at international level and should get the nod. "I do, yes," Scholes told the Webby & O'Neill YouTube channel when asked if he expects McTominay to start Man Utd's next game.
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"Whether Eriksen is back as well... I don't think he is not too far away, is he? But you would have thought with Casemiro being out that Scott is the perfect choice to come in for him. He will have come back with loads of confidence and he is a really talented player.
Scott McTominay is pushing for a start on Sunday (Getty Images)Do you agree with Paul Scholes? Let us know in the comments below!
"He probably got tarnished a little bit with the old McTominay-Fred midfield partnership that probably hasn't done him any favours. But he hasn't moaned about it and he has just got on with his job.
"He is a top class player, Scott, and I think if he just relaxes into that position where he knows he can be successful, it can be a big few weeks for him now. People have been talking about him leaving the club and I hope he doesn't.
"I hate seeing homegrown talent leaving the club, to be honest with you, but sometimes it has to happen. As I say, it is a big few weeks for him now, and if he can come into the team and make it look as if Casemiro isn't missed, then, hopefully, he will still be with us."
Man Utd's next game on Sunday is a big one, as they take on Newcastle in the Premier League. Ten Hag's side are third in the table - two places ahead of the Magpies in fifth. If results do not go in Man Utd's favour, they could finish the weekend in fifth.
The good news for the Red Devils is they have two games in hand on Tottenham in fourth. Their run in is also relatively comfortable, as they have already played Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City twice. A trip to Spurs is pencilled in for April 27.
Casemiro is still eligible to play for Man Utd in Europe, with a Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla on the horizon. His first Premier League game back will be the trip to Nottingham Forest on April 16, as he will also miss the fixtures against Brentford and Everton.