For Wednesday’s Premier League match against Leeds United at Old Trafford, Manchester United will be missing six first-team players due to injury and suspension.
After getting sent off in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, veteran midfielder Casemiro will miss three games.
Despite rumors to the contrary, Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag confirmed in his pregame press conference that his team will not be appealing the suspension.
“Consider? Yeah. I still think it was wrong to send Casemiro packing, but I doubt we’d stand a chance in court “Ten Hag told the media that although being disappointed with the verdict, the 20-time English champions would not be appealing it.
Casemiro was sent off after an altercation with Crystal Palace player Will Hughes, during which the Brazilian wrapped his hands around Hughes’s neck.
Donny van de Beek, who underwent knee surgery, is out for the season, while Christian Eriksen is out until the end of April with an ankle injury, meaning Man United will be without two of their starting midfielders.
Scott McTominay is still sidelined due to a muscle injury, while a further setback has forced France international Anthony Martial out of the match against Leeds.
Antony will not play against the Whites, as revealed by Ten Hag, though the Dutchman did not specify the nature of the attacker’s fitness issue.
The Dutchman stated, “They [Martial and McTominay] are not involved tomorrow.” “That also applies to Antony dos Santos. We need to figure out a plan B, as he is also unavailable for tomorrow.”
Although Ten Hag has stated that he will not offer any explanations for the players’ absences, the head coach has stated that his attention will be only on the game.
“Currently, I am in the role of manager. The players I have at my disposal are the ones I have to use. As a team, we have a lot of talented players that may or may not see regular playing time. So, others will get their chance, and here I am, forced to take it “During Tuesday’s news conference, he elaborated.
“I can’t say that Casemiro or Anthony Martial weren’t present after the game. Yes, we must prevail. Everyone in this team can play for Man United, therefore tomorrow they all must bring their A-games and help us secure victories no matter who starts.”
Currently third in the Premier League table, Man United has won their previous four games across all competitions. They are three points behind second-place Manchester City and two points ahead of Newcastle United, who are in fourth.
