Manchester United are about to discover truth about Casemiro's decline

Casemiro asked to be substituted in Brazil's game against Venezuela after picking up an ankle injury, but the midfielder was selected to start against Uruguay just four days later and he played the entire 90 minutes in that match.

Manchester United confirmed on Thursday that Casemiro was set to remain in Brazil to recover from his 'small issue', which essentially confirmed the midfielder shouldn't have been risked against Uruguay after picking up the knock.

At the time, it seemed bizarre to start Casemiro and questions should be asked of Brazil's management. It wouldn't be a surprise for Erik ten Hag to be unhappy with the player's nation because precautions don't appear to have been taken.

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Casemiro is unavailable for United's game against Sheffield United in the Premier League this weekend and he'll also be absent for Tuesday's match against F.C. Copenhagen in the Champions League due to his suspension.

It would have been a mini-crisis for Casemiro not to be available for two games last season and although his injury is still a blow, his absence this month isn't expected to have such a detrimental effect on the team's chances of winning.

Casemiro was undroppable last season and yet there have been growing calls to drop him this time around. He's suddenly looked like a player approaching the winter of their career and he's been a step behind phases of play.

The 31-year-old has retained his starting role despite his underwhelming start, but against Brentford prior to the international break, he was hooked at half-time and Ten Hag said he made that change because he wanted 'more football'.

Casemiro had given the ball