Image Credits: Imago Images
Manchester United are heading into the festive period with their squad depth getting more and more limited by the day, causing real issues for Ruben Amorim.
United are currently without Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire through injury, with the pair missing the clash with Bournemouth tonight at Old Trafford.
Noussair Mazraoui was also missing, having already left for international duty with Morocco at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
However, he’s not the only one to be lost to the tournament, with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo also being called up for Cameroon and Ivory Coast, respectively.
Already, that’s five players out, three of the five being key in defence, and three of the five being vital on the right-hand side.
Now, Casemiro has caused a further issue for Ruben Amorim as he’s set to miss United’s next match with Aston Villa.
The Brazil international had a real mix of highs and lows in tonight’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, having reclaimed the lead for United just before half-time with a headed goal, sending United into the break 2-1 up.
However, just after half-time, Casemiro’s foul on Marcus Tavernier not only gave away a free kick, which Tavernier scored, but also found his name going in the book for a yellow card.
Whilst Casemiro continued the game, it marked his fifth booking this season, which warrants a match ban for the next domestic game.
For United, that their Sunday afternoon trip to Villa Park as they take on third-place Aston Villa.
With Toby Collyer out on loan with West Bromwich Albion, Manuel Ugarte failing to impress Amorim and Kobbie Mainoo seemingly out of favour, there’s no obvious option to who the Portuguese manager will opt for in Casemiro’s absence.
Unfortunately, this lack of discipline with Casemiro has already impacted United this campaign.
Earlier this season, he picked up two yellow cards in the 2-1 win over Chelsea. The next game, United lost 3-1 to Brentford.
Whilst there were other factors in the loss to The Bees, it’s hard to argue that Casemiro’s absence didn’t contribute, considering how well he’s been playing this season.
As such, Amorim has a difficult choice ahead of him as to who he’ll entrust to replace the Brazil international against Villa.
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