Man United fans convinced Erik ten Hag already has 'perfect' Casemiro replacement after injury news

Midfield enforcer Casemiro will be sidelined for 'several weeks' with a hamstring injury, Manchester United have confirmed.

The Brazilian, 31, came off at half-time during Wednesday night's 3-0 Carabao Cup fourth round defeat to Newcastle United at Old Trafford. It meant his return from a previous injury was cut short and he was replaced by Sofyan Amrabat.

Casemiro, who joined United from Spanish giants Real Madrid in August 2022, had not featured in any of the Reds' last three games prior to the clash with the Magpies because of an ankle issue he picked up on international duty with Brazil last month. He missed the clashes with Sheffield United, FC Copenhagen and Manchester City.

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Though his performance levels, in direct comparison to last season, have been on the decline so far this term, his absence is going to leave a huge void in United's midfield. Amrabat has failed to have a meaningful impact since his arrival from Fiorentina in September and other members of Erik ten Hag's midfield pool have struggled for form this season.

However, several United supporters believe Ten Hag has the answer to his side's latest injury blow in the form of Kobbie Mainoo. The academy graduate has not played for the first team since pre-season because of an ankle injury.

Nevertheless, he has significantly stepped up his recovery in recent weeks, being named on the bench for last Sunday's derby defeat to City, as well as starting United Under-21s' EFL Trophy defeat to Salford City on Tuesday night. There are now calls from some supporters for the 18-year-old to be brought back into the