Manchester United fans are urging Erik ten Hag to deploy Sofyan Amrabat in “his ideal position” against Sheffield United after Casemiro has been ruled out due to injury.
United will travel to Bramall Lane on Saturday for their first Premier League clash since the October international break, with kick-off slated for 8pm UK time.
But Ten Hag will be without the midfield influence of Casemiro, who picked up an ankle injury while playing for Brazil during the international break.
Casemiro, who has come under criticism this season, was withdrawn 11 minutes from the end of Brazil’s 1-1 draw in their World Cup qualifier against Venezuela.
The 31-year-old midfielder will also miss United’s Champions League clash against FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford next week due to his red card against Galatasaray.
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United fans on Amrabat and Mainoo
Amrabat has featured regularly as a makeshift left-back for United prior to the international break due to injuries to Sergio Reguilon, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
However, Reguilon has returned to training and could be in contention to start for United, paving the way for Amrabat to play in his preferred defensive midfield role.
United prospect Kobbie Mainoo has been sidelined for the Red Devils due to an injury that he picked up during the club’s pre-season tour.
However, the 18-year-old midfielder has been spotted at Carrington and Mainoo’s bid to regain fitness has also made fans excited about his prospects this season.
“Casemiro is out against Sheffield United. Finally, Amrabat to start in his ideal position,” one fan said.
Another added: “I’m glad Casemiro [has] a week off. He needed this. And Erik can now play Amrabat in his natural position with [Sergio] Reguilon back in contention.”
A third X, AKA Twitter, user posted: “No Casemiro in the squad this weekend… That means Amrabat to start, with Kobbie on the bench then!”
While one fan wrote: “We’re gonna start seeing [Casemiro’s] role being limited as the season goes on especially if both Amrabat [and] Kobbie can stay fit.”
Reacting to a training photo, someone else commented: “The midfield maestro Kobbie Mainoo is back.”
And a sixth tweeted: “Hope we can ease Kobbie Mainoo into the starting line-up. He’s got massive potential. Maturity and confidence beyond his age. A reason for optimism.”
A seventh fan suggested: “Mainoo is going to become our best midfielder and [Casemiro’s] replacement.”
Amrabat over Mainoo for Sheffield United
It is likely that Fiorentina loanee Amrabat will finally be able to show United what he can do from midfield in the absence of former Real Madrid star Casemiro.
Mainoo is working to regain his fitness after his injury, but it seems too early for the United youngster to return to first-team action — let alone start ahead of Amrabat.
Amrabat earned rave reviews last season during Morocco’s stunning run in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, so it is obviously exciting to see him in United’s midfield.
Speaking ahead of the Sheffield United match, Ten Hag hinted that Amrabat could be moved away from a full-back role after Reguilon’s return from injury.
“Rapha Varane is back, so I think, especially in the backline, I’m very happy with Rapha back and Sergio back,” he told MUTV on Friday (via Manchester United’s official website).
“That’s very good news, of course. It’s disappointing that Casemiro picked up an injury but it’s not too bad.
“I’m sure and confident he will be back for the next games, so very short notice. The good thing is also that Sofyan Amrabat is available.”
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