Man United will not have the services of Casemiro in Sheffield United’s trip to Bramall Lane tonight.

The 31-year-old will miss the trip to South Yorkshire because of a “small problem” he encountered while on international duty with Brazil. Casemiro has stayed in Brazil to recover as quickly as possible, accordingly, he will be absent this weekend.

The former Real Madrid star has started in Man United’s opening 11 matches in all competitions this season. However, unlike last season, his absence has not caused much of a headache for Erik ten Hag, with Casemiro’s recent performances well below his usual high standards.

Let’s take a look at 3 ways for Man United to arrange their squad without the Brazilian midfielder.

1. Sofyan Amrabat is Casemiro 2.0

An obvious alternative. Amrabat was brought in by Man United on the last day of the 2023 summer transfer window, as both a backup and competition option for Casemiro in the defensive midfielder position. After a few matches having to play as a left back, he started in midfield against Brentford, alongside Casemiro.

Amrabat wasn’t too impressive in his first appearance as a midfielder against the Bees, but is the only real holding midfielder Ten Hag has at the moment. The Moroccan international impressed thanks to his ability to gain control of the ball and dictate play from a deep position. At that time, he can stand side by side with Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes.

With Amrabat shielding the back four, Mount will act as a number 8 midfielder, moving mobile, while Fernandes plays the usual role of conductor. On paper at least, that would be Ten Hag’s strongest available midfield trio.

This squad will be able to utilize what is considered Ten Hag’s strongest midfield

2. McTominay is rewarded

After coming off the bench and scoring two impressive goals against Brentford, Scott McTominay deserves a starting spot at Bramall Lane. His explоsiоn in stoppage time helped Ten Hag avoid the heavy pressure surrounding them.

However, the Scot is not the same replacement for Casemiro. He cannot be tasked with dropping deep and providing protection against the back four. It would make more sense for him to play right before Amrabat.

Fernandes is considered an irreplaceable player. Man United can expect their captain to repeat a performance similar to his recent training session with the Portuguese national team. The trio of Amrabat, McTominay and Fernandes will provide the balance in midfield that Ten Hag wants. However, that would result in Mount being on the bench. Looking back, the former Chelsea star has not done well enough since arriving at Old Trafford

3. Conductor Eriksen

Although Sergio Reguilon practiced before the clаsh with The Blades, he may not be fit enough to start, especially since he had to miss the last four matches due to illness and ιnjury.

When Reguilon is absent, it is likely that Amrabat will again be assigned to play in the left-back position. At this time, Christian Eriksen can enter the field to play lower, helping Man United control the ball and distribute the ball better. But who will play number 6 next to him is the problem. In the immediate future, McTominay will be the brightest nаme.