Erik ten Hag's shock move: £26m Man Utd star to be dropped for FA Cup final vs Man City - report
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could bench Casemiro for tomorrow’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
The Athletic report that United have prepared without Casemiro in some of their training sessions this week.
Sofyan Amrabat is being evaluated as the primary candidate for the holding midfield position.
It will be a bold move from Ten Hag to relegate the Brazil international who has featured 32 times in the 2023/24 campaign.
Casemiro is a big-game player and his experience could be vital for United against Man City.
The former Real Madrid man’s reputation as a defensive stalwart is well-established but he has struggled for form this season. His lack of pace and inability to cover space has left him exposed.
Ten Hag could adopt a more fluid approach to counter City’s formidable attacking threats.
The 32-year-old has played as a centre-back in recent games due to defensive injuries.
He delivered a stand-out performance in United’s final Premier League game of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion.
He made a superb goal-line clearance to keep the Red Devils in the game when the Seagulls were piling pressure.
The £26 million-rated star looked more assured at the back, winning seven ground duels and six tackles.
On the other hand, Amrabat was awful against Brighton. He was caught in possession several times. He looked out of his depth and was hooked off in the 69th minute.
Starting the Morocco international ahead of Casemiro could be a huge gamble and might backfire.
Casemiro’s defensive contributions have waned compared to previous campaigns.
However, expecting Amrabat, who has had limited starting opportunities in recent months to provide robust defensive reassurance isn’t the most promising option.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com