Manchester United can trial a new midfield vs Sheffield United this weekend

It is 24 games since Manchester United last started a match without Casemiro in the team and his absence at Bramall Lane tonight will be enforced, but it has felt like his status as an undroppable in Erik ten Hag's midfield was beginning to loosen.

That run includes the first 11 games of this season and the final 13 of last term, but the record in that run shows how this is a side that has gradually lost its way under Ten Hag. United have lost 10 of those 24, a poor record, and performances have been particularly poor this season.

There are myriad factors for this, including Marcus Rashford's loss of form in front of goal, a chronic injury list and tactical alterations that are yet to pay off. But Casemiro's own personal slump is a hugely significant factor.

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He was arguably the most important signing of Ten Hag's first summer, filling a position that United had been short in for far too long. Even at £70million for a 30-year-old, he looked like a major piece of the puzzle, a world-class holding midfielder and a leader on and off the pitch.

But signing any player in his 30s always comes with the risk that they will begin to fade at some point and there has to be a concern that is happening with Casemiro. He has been poor this season, unable to hold the fort in front of the defence, too easily bypassed and outrun by opposition midfielders and second to far too many loose balls.

It can be difficult to distinguish between cause and effect. Is Casemiro's form a reason for United's struggles, or vice versa? Maybe we will find out this week.

The Brazilian will be back for the Manchester