Ruben Amorim is making big mistake leaving out star who Van Nistelrooy loved, now he has no choice

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Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim needs to make changes, and in on area he no longer has a choice.

A tough 2024 for Manchester United continues to plunge new depths, and a bleak beginning to 2025 possibly awaits too.

There is a lot wrong with the Manchester United squad Ruben Amorim has inherited, and the head coach is dealing with a poor hand.

Yet a month in now, a couple of decisions he has made stand out. One is the continued omission of Marcus Rashford, which many United fans will feel he is justified in.

Another is the gradual phasing out of Casemiro, despite the Brazilian’s recent usefulness.

Casemiro left out

Ruben Amorim has shown no faith in Casemiro lately, with the Brazilian not starting a game since December 12.

Casemiro has started three matches under Amorim. The 1-1 draw with Ipswich, the 4-0 victory over Everton, and the 2-1 win over Plzen.

United are unbeaten in the three matches Casemiro has started under him – yet this goes back a little further too.

Casemiro was one of the winners under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy. He started all four games, with United winning three and drawing one.

So across the last seven matches Casemiro has started in all competitions, Manchester United have won five and drawn two.

He did not start in any of the five games Manchester United have lost so far under Amorim.

Particularly impressive was the Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte partnership that Van Nistelrooy adopted.

Remarkably, Amorim has not started the two players in midfield together once, preferring a combination of either player with one of Kobbie Mainoo or Bruno Fernandes.

United did show a bit of fight against Wolves after the Brazilian was brought on, although it was part of a performance that saw Ugarte go the other way.

Casemiro expected to return

Manchester United have two midfield suspensions for Monday’s upcoming game against Newcastle, with Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes picking up one-game bans.

There is even a small injury doubt over Kobbie Mainoo too.

Casemiro will almost certainly come back in, and get a chance to reclaim his spot – even if his partnership with Ugarte won’t be possible.

United need experience in the team right now, and Casemiro has plenty of it. He could be vital amid a three game stretch against Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal.

Amorim has made a mistake not utilising Casemiro more – but necessity will bring the Brazilian back into the team and give him a chance he needs.