One of Manchester United’s star players has been suspended for their side’s clash with Aston Villa next weekend, and it could mean one thing for Kobbie Mainoo.
Manchester United played out one of the most thrilling games of the Premier League season last night, as they hosted a 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth.
The Reds took the lead through a close-range Amad Diallo header, although this was cancelled out in the 40th minute by Antoine Semenyo. Casemiro restored United’s lead on the stroke of half-time.
After conceding a quick-fire double early into the second half, it looked as if United’s infamous half-time record was in jeopardy. However, thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha, this wasn’t the case.
Unfortunately, United couldn’t hold on to their 4-3 lead as they conceded late on to Eli Junior Kroupi. To make matters worse, Casemiro’s booking has resulted in a suspension for the Reds’ clash with Aston Villa.
Casemiro suspended for Villa
The Brazilian midfielder picked up a yellow card for a foul on Marcus Tavernier, which then resulted in a goal as the Englishman scored directly from the free-kick.
This was the 33-year-old’s fifth booking of the season, which means he will have to miss his side’s trip to Villa Park on Sunday, where they face Unai Emery’s high-flying villains.
Given the recent rumours that Ruben Amorim may stray from his usual 3-4-2-1 system to incorporate a three-man midfield, Casemiro’s suspension will surely put this plan on hold.
Despite this bad news for the Reds, it may allow for the reintroduction of Kobbie Mainoo to the starting XI, who is still waiting for his first start of the Premier League campaign.
Mainoo’s brother’s protest
Mainoo was left on the bench for United yet again and was brought on in the 61st minute shortly after the Reds had fallen behind. This took the youngster’s minutes total up to 302 for the league season.
Ahead of the fixture, the Englishman’s brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, caught much of the limelight as he entered Old Trafford wearing a T-shirt reading ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ to protest Amorim’s treatment of Mainoo.
READ MORE: “Struggling” Manchester United star could receive final chance under Ruben Amorim vs Aston Villa
If Amorim is to change his ways and adopt a 4-3-3 system, it would surely allow for more starts for Mainoo, but this is only hypothetical for now.
Hopefully, the talented Carrington graduate can see the pitch far more in the near future, although this sort of publicity stunt is the type of incident that the Reds will be desperate to avoid.
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