Manchester United is set to play three games without the midfield cogs of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro. The duo have been very influential in Erik Ten Hag and Manchester United's progress this season. However, Manchester United is set to address the duo's absence. Christian Eriksen is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury and is set to return at the end of April. Casemiro got a red card after he was caught by VAR holding Crystal Palace's Will Hughes by the neck during an altercation between Manchester United's players and Crystal Palace's on Saturday. He is set to face a three-match ban and will not participate in the Premier League until he is done serving his ban.
Christian Eriksen is a creative force with which to reckon in Manchester United's midfield. His absence was already felt in the first match the Red Devils played without him, against Crystal Palace. The 30-year-old has made Manchester United's midfield more mobile when he starts, although he isn't much of an impact maker off the ball. But he has Casemiro to worry about that.
The Dane has assisted eight of Manchester United's goals this season and scored four times across all competitions. He has played in all 32 games that were available prior to his injury for Manchester United. However, Manchester United's fans can be calm about the player's absence after the recruitment of Marcel Sabitzer on deadline day.
The 28-year-old made his Manchester United debut against Saturday afternoon opponent Crystal Palace and gained fans' and the manager's approval with his display.
The problem right now would be solving the problems that come with Casemiro's absence. Although the midfielder will be back for Manchester United's Carabao Cup final showdown at Wembley against Newcastle United and will also be available for Barcelona's clash in the Europa League, Man United's hunt for a top-four finish could be jeopardized.
Evidently, Manchester United almost collapsed immediately after the Brazilian received his marching orders from the referee; they conceded a goal and lost control of the game while Patrice Viera's side kept applying pressure.
Casemiro's impact on the team this season can't be underrated. Without him, Manchester United has a lower win percentage and concedes more goals. His absence against Arsenal was heavily felt, as Scott McTominay didn't get the job done against the Gunners.
Casemiro, 30, has started in all three cup games against Nottingham Forest and Reading in the last 10 days and even came on for 30 minutes in the League Cup quarterfinal win over Charlton last month. The Brazilian has lined up in 12 of Manchester United's last 13 Premier League games, completing 90 minutes in 11, and only sat out the defeat at Arsenal through suspension.
The former Real Madrid star is set to miss the two games against Leeds United and Leicester City. Given how both teams have improved in their attacking game this season, Manchester United will find it tough without Casemiro on the pitch.
But what solutions can Erik Ten Hag come up with in the Brazilian's absence? He has played Victor Lindelof as a holding midfielder three times this season. Although the Swede used to play in that position while he was still a Benfica player, the manager has decided to utilize the number two in that position. He might be missing Casemiro's combativeness, but he surely has the ability to transition defensive plays into attacks.
Fans are suggesting that Lisandro Martinez be moved into the defensive midfield role due to his style of football. Everyone will agree that the 5-foot-11 Argentine has been a cog in Manchester United's defense, and his tenacity will bring that Casemiro vibe to the middle. His passing abilities are also great.
Luke Shaw has hinted that the Brazilian's absence however has an advantage as it is an opportunity for someone else to step in.
“We’re extremely disappointed to lose him, but I think it’s now a big opportunity for someone else to come in and make their mark on this team and show their qualities and why they’re here," the 28-year-old told MUTV.
As much as we can concur with Luke Shaw, Manchester United will have to hang on and ensure they continue to get the much-needed results on the pitch while Christian Eriksen and Casemiro aren't there to contribute.
Post a Comment