Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat can prove Erik ten Hag right vs Sheffield United

On the occasions Manchester United were without Casemiro last season they often froze.

The Brazilian, following his arrival from Real Madrid in August 2022, quickly established himself as one of United's most important players, playing a key role in their resurrection under Erik ten Hag. He formed a strong and stable midfield bond with Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes, so much so that supporters thought United's long-term midfield woes had finally been fixed.

Yet this season Casemiro, who will miss Saturday night's trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United through injury, has regressed at an alarming rate. The reason behind his sudden decline is almost impossible to put your finger on, but something is going wrong somewhere for the 31-year-old.

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It is why for the first time since his arrival at Old Trafford, the prospect of United being without him has not set alarm bells ringing as loudly as in the past. His performance levels have dropped off so much that he was hooked at half-time against Brentford almost a fortnight ago.

Against the Bees, Casemiro was joined in midfield by Sofyan Amrabat for the first time. The Morocco international, who joined United on loan for the season from Fiorentina on deadline day made his first few appearances for the club as an emergency left-back, covering the absences of Luke Shaw, Sergio Reguilon and Tyrell Malacia.

Against Brentford Ten Hag deployed Victor Lindelof on the left of the back four, handing Amrabat his first opportunity to start in midfield. Though he struggled to impose himself on proceedings, he was