Erik ten Hag explains Antony and Casemiro decisions ahead of Premier League clash against Arsenal

Erik ten Hag has spoken and explained his starting XI ahead of Manchester United's Premier League clash against Arsenal.

Casemiro is not making his first Premier League start of the season for Manchester United this afternoon, despite many expecting him to.

Cristiano Ronaldo is also yet to re-join the starting line up after three consecutive matches on the bench, although new signing Antony is starting for the first time.

It is quite likely that Ten Hag will bring Casemiro and Ronaldo on as the match progresses, considering their dynamism and experience in big matches such as this.

Christian Eriksen also maintains his position in the starting XI, while Anthony Elanga misses out.

Speaking on his decision to start Antony, Erik ten Hag said: "He knows the style we want to play and what we expect and demand.

Antony and Erik ten Hag. (Man Utd)

"He can be an offensive threat with his speed in one on ones."

Antony starting despite just training three times with the squad shows the faith the Dutch manager holds in the Brazilian.

One Brazilian that isn't starting, despite expectations, is Casemiro.

When questioned on why he isn't in the XI, Ten Hag responded: "He is new in the team, he has to adapt to the team. He has to get used to my way of playing football."

This does explain why Antony is playing while Casemiro is not, as the winger has a two year start on the 5 time Champions League winner when it comes to understanding Erik ten Hag's system.

"The other thing, Scott McTominay is playing really well," Ten Hag added.

Manchester United have won three matches on the bounce in the Premier League ahead of the Arsenal fixture, and Ten Hag believes this will give his side a confidence boost.

"It gives us a bit extra, confidence you get by yourself," the Dutch manager said ahead of kick off.

"The team is winning and has belief of winning game, if we have the [right] attitude, we are hard to beat."

Speaking to MUTV, Ten Hag said: "We have more than 11 starting XI players – we have a good bench, and they can have an impact.

"They should have that impact because if you want to win something, and winning is in the end about trophies, you need a good squad."

Manchester United against Arsenal is due to kick off at 16:30 BST.