Manchester United host arch-rivals and champions Manchester City at Old Trafford in what is the 191st Manchester derby on Super Sunday.
United manager Erik ten Hag says that Casemiro is in a race against time to make the match, with an ankle injury sustained on Brazil duty putting his place in jeopardy.
Ten Hag said: “Aaron [Wan-Bissaka is back] in training and Case is a race against the clock. No, not 100 per cent.”
United have stumbled to three unconvincing victories against Brentford, Sheffield United and Copenhagen, with a vastly improved performance required if they are to lay a glove on Pep Guardiola’s men.
The midfield battle looks key and Ten Hag says his side may be missing Casemiro for a third straight game.
The Red Devils were made to sweat in a narrow 1-0 victory against the Danish champions on Tuesday, with Andre Onana producing a stoppage-time penalty save that saw the under-fire goalkeeper mobbed by team-mates.
And Sunday’s game could define United’s mood at a key stage of the season.
Ten Hag said: “Definitely you see we are back where we wanted to be in that this is a hard team to beat. They find a way to win, so we are going in the right direction.
“I think it’s a match above many other derbies. It’s so huge because it’s Manchester, internal.
“But I think it’s also about world football and all the eyes will be on this game global wide.
“They’re six points ahead, we’re six points back, so we have to catch up. We know we have to progress the team, so we have to make developments.”
