Rio Ferdinand dismisses Thomas Partey and Casemiro comparisons ahead of Man United against Arsenal

Rio Ferdinand believes there is no debate between Manchester United enforcer Casemiro and Arsenal’s Thomas Partey despite his impressive campaign. 

Ferdinand believes Casemiro ‘wipes him away’ with his impact on the game, citing statistics as the basis for his argument ahead of United’s crucial trip to the Emirates on Sunday.

‘I think the importance to their teams…you could argue both sides quite equally. But then, when you through the stats in Casemiro wipes him away,’ he said on Vibe with Five Podcast. 

Rio Ferdinand believes Casemiro, individually at least, is some way ahead of Thomas Partey

The former Manchester United defender doesn’t believe Partey could do a comparable job in the middle of Erik ten Hag’s team.

‘No, no no. I don’t think Partey is good enough defensively to do what Casemiro is doing,’ he said. 

‘I don’t think he has the impact defensively for Man United, on the ball he’s doing more. 

Partey produced a commanding performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Sunday

Though Ferdinand did praise the Ghanaian for his individually stellar performances of late, not least his imposing presence in Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Tottenham. 

‘On the ball, he’s doing more. He’s dictating play, man for Arsenal,’ he said. 

‘He’s actually playing passes I didn’t know he had. His passing has been unbelievable.’

Casemiro has been one of the signings of the season given his importance for Man United

Both will have the opportunity to shine again when the sides face off for the second time this season, as Arsenal look to extend their eight-point gap at the top of the Premier League. 

United arrive in spectacular form, fresh off a 2-1 win against Manchester City, having now won five consecutive matches – and now trail the Gunners by just nine points.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will be out for revenge having only lost once this season in the league, coming at the hands of Erik ten Hag’s team.