Casemiro injury could be blessing in disguise for Manchester United

The last thing Manchester United needs right now is yet another injury.

Though there is plenty of blame to go around for the dreadful start to the new campaign, it cannot be overlooked just how much of an impact so many important injuries can have. Erik ten Hag has seen his entire first-choice back four decimated and, though matters weren't helped by Jadon Sancho and Antony's off-field issues, the manager has often been without up to 12 players for games.

Any club in the world would struggle under such strain regardless of the millions they've spent and United are no different. So when Casemiro becomes the latest casualty to hobble off the field while on international duty, it does appear that the gods are being particularly spiteful.

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But in the case of the Brazilian, it might actually play in United's favour for him to be unavailable for a match or two. Injury should not be wished on any player and it's a shame that a knock could be the reason for it but Casemiro needed to be removed from the United starting XI. Hardly any player has emerged from the first quarter of the season with any credit in the bank but the veteran midfielder has especially seen his levels decline.

Casemiro was integral to United's uplifting fortunes last season, with his arrival helping transform how the side attacked and defended, leading to long-awaited progress and a trophy win. But this season it looks like all those years of playing at the most intense club in world football have finally caught up.

The 31-year-old took to the Premier League easily a year ago, proving many doubters wrong, but he has