Casemiro will be unavailable for Manchester United this weekend after seeing red against Chelsea; a youngster could be in line for his first competitive senior action.
Casemiro has been crucial to Rúben Amorim since the manager joined from Sporting CP, despite his poor form towards the end of Erik ten Hag’s reign as Manchester United boss.
The Brazilian has started every Premier League game this season – not including the derby loss to Manchester City – but was dismissed against Chelsea for a second yellow card offence.
While many argue that the decision was harsh, Casemiro will be unavailable for United this weekend, as Amorim’s side face Brentford away from home on Saturday.
Manuel Ugarte will likely start in his absence, but Amorim will have a big decision to make as to who will join the bench, as he has shown he is unwilling to play Kobbie Mainoo in the more defensive midfield role.
Fletcher could be set for first team squad
Jack and Tyler Fletcher – twin sons of Darren – joined United from Manchester City in the summer of 2023. Tyler spent most of his first campaign out injured, but both are now regulars for Travis Binnion’s under-21s side.
Jack Fletcher was involved during the pre-season tour of the United States, while Tyler made two appearances during the post-season tour in Asia.
While J. Fletcher was involved in first-team training along with Shea Lacey and Bendito Mantato recently, he is unlikely to be considered as a Casemiro replacement because he is more of an attacking midfielder, especially in Amorim’s system.
Tyler, on the other hand, is a natural defensive midfielder, with experience as a box-to-box player as well, making him the perfect profile to fill in for the Brazilian if necessary.
United’s U21s squad played against Athletic Club’s U21s in the Premier League International Cup on Wednesday evening, with substitute Gabriele Biancheri creating the equaliser and scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.
While J. Fletcher was involved, his brother was not, suggesting he may be being saved to replace Casemiro on Saturday afternoon.
His height could give him the edge over other promising defensive midfielders – Jacob Devaney and Jayce Fitzgerald – as Casemiro is one of the bigger aerial threats in the United side. Travis Binnon, United Academy coach, has previously stated that Tyler Fletcher is one of the more “underrated” U21 players.
Saturday will come too soon for Koné
Another defensive midfielder in the academy is Sékou Koné, who joined United last season as one of the first INEOS-style signings, focusing on unknown, young talent.
Read More: Manchester United fighting Liverpool and Manchester City for “real talent”, it’s an INEOS special
Koné would be the first-choice option to join Amorim’s side in Casemiro’s absence, but he hasn’t played since he fractured his eye socket against Tamworth in the National League Cup.
While the Mali youth international could play with an eye mask, it is understood that United don’t want to rush him back after such a scary injury, which led to the game being abandoned just before the half-time whistle.
T. Fletcher has partnered with Fitzgerald in Koné’s absence, so he should be the obvious option to join the senior squad if Amorim chooses to look towards the academy for another body.
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