Erik ten Hag confirms 2 Man United players to be involved vs Real Betis despite risk

Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro will both play against Real Betis on Thursday despite the risk of yellow card suspensions.

Both Fernandes and Casemiro are one yellow card away from a one-match Europa League ban. A booking in Spain could see either player miss the first leg of the quarter-final should United progress.

The Brazilian midfielder is available for the fixture, with his four-match suspension following his red card against Southampton being strictly for domestic games.

Meanwhile, his Portuguese teammate has played 42 times for The Reds so far this season and has started all but one of those fixtures.

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Arguably this seems like the perfect game to give the 29-year-old a rest, United are 4-1 up on aggregate after their first leg victory at Old Trafford last week.

But Ten Hag has stressed the importance of taking the game seriously and confirms the pair will both take part despite the possibility of suspension if they are shown yellow.

They will play, both. It is a very good opponent,” said Ten Hag. “Last week we had a good result, but we need to go again. We need our best players and our best team.”

The Dutch manager has avoided changing his team around much so that players can continue to build relationships and learn the way he wants them to play. Ten Hag also simply wants to win football matches.

“It is always serious and we will play our best team. We have to put up a team that can adapt during the game,” he added. “We know our opponent can, as they have really good players. We have to be ready to battle with them.”

Yet, these decisions are still questioned, especially due to United’s schedule and injury problems.

Alejandro Garnacho was the latest to fall to injury following the draw against Southampton on the weekend.

Kyle Walker-Peters’ challenge in the last minute of the game has caused ankle-ligament damage and the youngster will be out of action for a prolonged number of time.

It was a similar tackle and injury that Christian Eriksen suffered two months ago. Although Ten Hag has explained that the Argentine will return before the end of the season.

I can’t say exactly,” replied Ten Hag when asked about a potential return date for Garnacho. “It will take weeks, it is a serious injury. Once again, after Christian Eriksen, we have a serious injury after a contact.

“He will be back before the end of the season. We need to get him back as soon as possible and we hope he is ready.”