Who will replace Casemiro against Leeds?

The Brazilian was dismissed in the second half of our 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend, and will therefore miss the back-to-back clashes with our old rivals from Yorkshire, as well as next week’s home encounter with Leicester City.

The first of those matches kicks off at 20:00 GMT tonight when the Reds lock horns with Leeds, who will have new faces in the dugout following Monday's departure of manager Jesse Marsch.

Ahead of this highly anticipated fixture, you can play our United Predictions game and guess what Erik ten Hag's starting XI will be. But with Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay both ruled out, you may need some help deciding who will replace Casemiro in midfield. Here we look at the options...

MARCEL SABITZER

One player who's certain to come up in the conversation is our loan signing Marcel Sabitzer.

Marcel arrived from Bayern Munich eight days ago, on transfer deadline day, and made his Reds bow off the bench in the second half of our win over Palace, after Casemiro had been dismissed.

The Austria international showed the energy and quality he is known for in the short time he was on the pitch, helping the Reds to see out an important victory, and he could be in line for his first United start this evening.

FRED

Casemiro's fellow Brazilian, Fred, also started against Palace, as Ten Hag picked a pairing that has also served their national team so well.

Our all-action no.17 influences proceedings at both ends of the pitch, and could form a strong partnership with Sabitzer in his compatriot’s absence.

Leeds are a side known for energy, and Fred also possesses that in abundance. He could prove to be a pivotal cog in the Reds' engine room against the Whites.

CONVERTING CENTRE-BACKS

Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez are both defenders of course, but they have been deployed in midfield and could therefore offer Erik alternative options for the Casemiro role.

Lindelof was utilised there in the latter stages of our Carabao Cup semi-final second leg win over Nottingham Forest, with Ten Hag citing the Swede's previous experience in that role for Benfica as a reason why.

As for Martinez, we all know the Argentinian loves a tackle and he sometimes played in Erik's midfield when the duo worked together at Ajax.

A CHANCE FOR YOUTH?

In recent weeks, Academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo has been involved in our senior matchday squad, making the bench on many occasions and playing twice.

Kobbie was also part of the winter training camp during the World Cup break, and scored against Cadiz.

Will Erik turn to the youngster in the absence of Casemiro? We’ll find out when the team to face Leeds tonight is announced in the United App at 19:00 GMT, one hour before kick-off.

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