Manchester United told what they have to do in Casemiro's absence

Former Manchester United player Louis Saha has urged Erik ten Hag's side to step up in Casemiro's absence while the Brazilian midfielder is sidelined through suspension.

Casemiro was sent off in United's last Premier League match against Southampton, with the 31-year-old shown his marching orders for a challenge on Carlos Alcaraz. Erik ten Hag's side were reduced to 10-men in the 34th minute of their clash, and they were unable to find a way past the Saints as the game finished goalless.

The former Real Madrid man was given a four-match suspension having already been sent off once this season, against Crystal Palace in February. Marcel Sabitzer started and scored in the FA Cup win over Fulham on Sunday, and former Reds man Saha insists the squad players must now prove their worth.

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"Casemiro's absence will provide a tough challenge for Manchester United, but United have a strong squad," he told OLGB. "Even against Fulham we saw Sabitzer having a good game, Fred and McTominay are playing better and Manchester United are improving in different elements.

"It shows that they understand the impact of Casemiro and realise that they must also do the same things - to be calm, composed and confident in the right moments. Casemiro has helped the group well on and off the field - especially those who are not playing regularly as they can continue to learn from him and please Erik Ten Hag when they have the opportunity. It's a good opportunity for the rest of the squad to show their prowess as well, though it is always better to have the player that is in form.

"I feel he was unlucky to be sent off (against Southampton). It's not because he is too aggressive, he has to