Why Casemiro came off at half-time
Casemiro's fitness was a talking point in Erik ten Hag's post-match press conference, following Manchester United's Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United.
The Brazilian, who was absent from Sunday's Premier League derby clash with Manchester City, returned to the matchday squad for the home tie against the Magpies and was given the captain's armband.
Club skipper Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, was named among the substitutes as Ten Hag made some anticipated changes - seven, in fact, to his starting XI.
However, Casemiro only played for the first 45 minutes, during which Newcastle went 2-0 up through well-taken goals by Miguel Almiron - an early replacement for the injured Matt Targett - and Lewis Hall. Our no.18's woes were compounded by a yellow card, seemingly shown for persistent fouling.
Club skipper Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, was named among the substitutes as Ten Hag made some anticipated changes - seven, in fact, to his starting XI.
However, Casemiro only played for the first 45 minutes, during which Newcastle went 2-0 up through well-taken goals by Miguel Almiron - an early replacement for the injured Matt Targett - and Lewis Hall. Our no.18's woes were compounded by a yellow card, seemingly shown for persistent fouling.
Erik's post-match press conference Video
Erik's post-match press conference
Find out what Ten Hag said to the media following our elimination from the Carabao Cup...
When asked at his media briefing why Casemiro did not re-emerge for the second half, Ten Hag replied: "He was injured.
"Just before half-time, he got an injury. That’s why we had to take him off."
The skipper for the night was replaced by Sofyan Amrabat, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka came on for Diogo Dalot in a double substitution to start the second half.
"Just before half-time, he got an injury. That’s why we had to take him off."
The skipper for the night was replaced by Sofyan Amrabat, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka came on for Diogo Dalot in a double substitution to start the second half.
It was Wan-Bissaka's first appearance since the Premier League game against Brighton & Hove Albion on 16 September but while he has bolstered Ten Hag's defensive options, it seems the Dutchman's midfield will be depleted again by Casemiro's condition - at least for the weekend's top-flight trip to Fulham.
In response to a follow-up question on whether the Brazilian could be ruled out until the mid-November break for international fixtures, the United manager said: "I can’t give an answer on that [now].
"We have to wait 24 hours, but I think definitely for Saturday, he is out."
In response to a follow-up question on whether the Brazilian could be ruled out until the mid-November break for international fixtures, the United manager said: "I can’t give an answer on that [now].
"We have to wait 24 hours, but I think definitely for Saturday, he is out."