Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed three injury absentees ahead of Leeds’ visit to Old Trafford on Wednesday. The Dutchman is poised to be without midfield talisman Casemiro regardless, following the Brazilian’s controversial red card against Crystal Palace.
Big-money summer signing Antony started the win over Palace, but the boss has confirmed that he is set to miss Wednesday’s showdown through injury. Two other first-team stars have failed to return to fitness in time, with Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay also set to miss out.
McTominay’s absence may be felt particularly harshly, with United crying out for midfield options following a long-term injury to Christian Eriksen and Casemiro’s suspension. The shortage in the middle of the park could mean a prominent role for January signing Marcel Sabitzer, who was snapped up in a last-minute loan deal from Bayern Munich.
United fans may have held out faint hopes of welcoming Casemiro back to the starting XI on Wednesday, despite the midfielder being shown a straight red card for putting his hands around Will Hughes’ throat last time out.
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“I’ve always said that if a manager gets sacked, in general I don’t believe in it. Let managers do their work. The pressure is high with decision makers in football clubs, but if you see the stats, mostly it doesn’t work out so well.”
Leeds have huge incentives to scrap for every point over the coming weeks as they hover above the relegation zone only on goal difference. The Red Devils, meanwhile, will go level on points with second-place Manchester City if they notch another win.