Five options Erik ten Hag has to replace Casemiro

Saturday afternoon saw Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in a nervy affair at Old Trafford.

The visitors pulled a goal back in the 76th minute, after Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford put Manchester United two goals up.

However, the final 20 minutes of Saturday’s clash were made even more tense because United were reduced to 10 men; midfielder Casemiro saw red for violent conduct, which means he will serve a three-match ban.

The Brazilian’s ban will see him miss both the back-to-back home and away games against Leeds United, and Leicester City’s visit to Old Trafford.

With such a key member of Erik ten Hag’s side set to be missing, here are some alternative options to fill in for Casemiro at the base of United’s midfield against Leeds on Wednesday at Old Trafford.

Fred

Brazil international Fred has put in some superb performances in United’s midfield of late. Against Crystal Palace last Saturday, he was a viable option for the player of the match award.

United’s No.17 has been contributing all over the pitch of late. Fred has scored four times and registered two assists this season.

He is almost guaranteed to start against Leeds, especially considering United’s lack of options in midfield. However, it seems unlikely that Ten Hag would play him in a deeper role, especially considering his success playing as an eight recently.

Whichever role he plays against Leeds, Fred will certainly have a huge part to play on Wednesday night.  

Marcel Sabitzer

The most probable replacement for Casemiro is United’s new loan signing, Marcel Sabitzer. Whilst the Austrian seems to be the most likely player to start instead of the Brazilian on Wednesday, he would be playing in a more unfamiliar number six role.

Sabitzer made his United debut off the bench and put in a strong performance to help the Red Devils hold on for all three points against Palace.

Despite his lack of experience as a six, the Austrian has attributes that mean he could fill the role well for the duration of Casemiro’s ban. He is a tough tackler, and will not shy away from a challenge, something he showed against the Eagles.  

Sabitzer is an engine in midfield, who doesn’t stop running for 90 minutes. This is another reason why he could be an apt replacement for Casemiro. His relentless nature will go hand in hand with his elite defensive ability.

He certainly has attributes which means he would make good cover for Casemiro. Despite his best football being played further up the pitch, Sabitzer is certainly a player who could fill the void for Casemiro and would work hard to ensure he did it to a high-quality standard.

Sabitzer certainly seems like one of the best options that United have to replace Casemiro in the starting eleven against Leeds.

Victor Lindelof

Sweden captain Lindelof is also another player who could fill in for Casemiro. Lindelof has had experience playing as a defensive midfielder in the past. Ten Hag actually used him in this role against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup last Wednesday.

The United manager spoke after the game about using Lindelof in this role again, and he suggested it would be something he would be willing to do again in the future.

Lindelof would be comfortable dropping into the back four to help progress the ball forward when United are building up. He is also a good long-range passer and could be able to get the ball out to United’s wingers and other forwards quickly.

The defender reads the game well, something that would be a benefit when screening the back four because it could lead to him making a crucial tackle or interception. He is certainly an option for Ten Hag, and fans could once again see him play in midfield.

Lisandro Martinez

Lisandro Martinez is a player who people have suggested in the past that Ten Hag should utilise in the defensive midfield role. This Casemiro suspension could present an opportunity to do just that.  

Some of Martinez’s biggest strengths are his excellent anticipation, reading of the game, and progressive passing. The Argentina international certainly has the capabilities to make a quick interception, before springing an attack by playing a progressive pass to one of his teammates ahead.

This is something we have seen Casemiro do countless times, and Martinez could no doubt do this to a good standard in his place.  

Additionally, Martinez’s aggressive nature and commitment to never back down from a challenge will give him. He will certainly keep the passion and fight that Casemiro brings to United’s midfield.

Having played him as a defensive midfielder for Ajax, Ten Hag could well push Martinez further up the field and utilise him in that role once again.

Kobbie Mainoo

17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo is someone else who Ten Hag could entrust with replacing Casemiro.

Despite his age, Mainoo has performed excellently in his two United appearances so far. In one appearance, against Reading, Mainoo attempted and completed 25 passes in just 17 minutes.

He is another player who is good on the ball and will bring some quality to United’s midfield when progressing play forward. However, Mainoo has not played as a six much in his career. Despite his good qualities on the ball, it may be too soon to throw him into the starting line-up, especially in such a big game against Leeds.