Man United have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle United and Casemiro has picked up yet another injury.
The Brazilian international returned from injury to finally start in midweek but he was withdrawn after only 45 minutes which came as a shock to many. Everyone thought it was a tactical switch to bring on Amrabat for Casemiro but after the match, the United manager revealed that he’s picked up another setback.
Ten Hag said, after the humiliating loss: “He was injured. Just before half-time, he got an injury. That’s why we had to take him off.
“I can’t give an answer on that [how long he will be out for]. We have to wait 24 hours, but I think definitely for Saturday, he is out.”
Casemiro had picked up an injury while playing for Brazil during the international break and it looks like the midfielder is now set to be on the sidelines for a few more weeks. The extent of the injury is not known but if this is a recurring problem then he is not returning any time soon.
Manchester United have signed Sofyan Amrabat so Erik ten Hag has a like-for-like substitution but the summer signing is yet to settle down at the club and he was also at fault for Newcastle’s third goal. Also with Casemiro set to miss the Fulham game either Eriksen or Mount will have to play as the second central midfielder.
Both these players have their own set of problems playing in this role because Eriksen does not have the legs to provide cover for the defenders while Mason Mount is a very attack-minded player who does not know how to play in the number eight position.
Manchester United are in a very poor run of form right now as they have lost five out of their last seven games and three of these losses have come at home. Fulham are currently 14th on the Premier League table but they did manage to hold Brighton to a 1-1 draw in their last league outing and against this rattled United team, the Cottagers will be very confident of picking up all three points.
After the Carabao Cup exit, Ten Hag’s job is slightly under pressure and with Casemiro missing, the manager has to sort out the shape of his midfield because that’s where Man United are failing to take control.
The Fulham game is not only a must-win for the Red Devils but at the same time, they have to play some commanding and confident football, without Casemiro as the anchor.
