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Erik ten Hag has played down the blow of Casemiro’s ban, saying his Manchester United stars can step in.
The midfielder was sent off last week for a foul on Southampton’s Carlos Alcaraz, a challenge that was given a yellow card at first, before being changed to a red after a VAR consultation.
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Casemiro is suspended for United’s next four domestic games
AFP
Ten Hag believes that his side are more than capable of handling the Brazilian’s suspension
As a result, Casemiro will miss four domestic fixtures for United, starting with the weekend’s FA Cup clash with Fulham.
While losing Casemiro for these games is undoubtedly a blow, Ten Hag gave a prickly response when quizzed on how he plans to tackle the upcoming fixtures without their key man.
Interrupting a question about Casemiro’s suspension, Ten Hag said: “We have had many more games without Casemiro.”
He added: “We have done really well without Casemiro.
“Against Arsenal, the two against Leeds, I remember all the games and I think we did really well also without Casemiro at the start of the season.
“I want to have Casemiro available, because he has a huge impact on our game.
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Casemiro will be hoping that his teammates can keep the club’s momentum going
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“We also won many games without Casemiro and we have to do it with other players. It’s about the players who are available.”
Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira has played a key role following his summer move from Old Trafford and Ten Hag said he is delighted at seeing him help the London side into the top half of the Premier League.
Ten Hag also fielded questions on United’s proposed takeover.
The boss met Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS delegation on Friday, with representatives of rival bidder Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani having visited the club on Thursday but insisted that is not his focus.
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