Manchester United have a selection dilemma ahead for this coming weekend’s FA Cup semi-final.
Manchester United are currently battling a lengthy injury list and it is further complicated by Harry Maguire’s FA Cup semi-final suspension.
United will be relying on Victor Lindelof, and hoping Luke Shaw will be able to return from his injury in time to fill in.
What is Shaw is not ready, or has a setback? Phil Jones is out injured and won’t be a factor, while youngsters Teden Mengi and Rhys Bennett are also sidelined.
Erik ten Hag has already shown emergency plan
Erik ten Hag has dealt with a centre-back crisis already at Manchester United. He called on Casemiro to solve it.
This occurred back in December in the Carabao Cup against Burnley, when a combination of World Cup involvement and illness led to Victor Lindelof being the only fit centre-back.
Casemiro stepped into central defence and solved the problem. He was a class act as United kept a clean sheet and won the game 2-0.
Ten Hag praised his performance. He told the club website: “[It was] what you can expect: really experienced, really composed. [He was] leading [and had] a good combination with Victor Lindelof. So I was happy with the performance.”
Casemiro had more touches than any player on the pitch and completed more passes, thriving in the centre-back role.
Brighton will be a tougher proposition than Burnley, but Casemiro is a player Ten Hag could clearly depend on to do a job.
What about the impact on midfield?
Taking Casemiro out of a midfield competing against Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister would be a sacrifice Manchester United would not make unless they had to.
Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes and Fred should all be available in midfield, however, potentially with Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay recovering to join them.
What about Scott McTominay?
It is possible Ten Hag could utilise Scott McTominay as an emergency centre-back. He was not available for the Burnley game where Casemiro filled in, due to illness.
McTominay has played in the position at international role with Scotland numerous times, although most frequently as part of a back three.
At present, like Luke Shaw, he is out with an injury although could return this week. Until he does, Ten Hag will have to be considering alternatives.
Ideally Luke Shaw would be back to partner Victor Lindelof this weekend. But if he isn’t, Casemiro will be ready to do whatever his manager asks.
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