Paul Scholes makes demand of two Manchester United midfielders amid Casemiro suspension

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has insisted that some of the club's midfielders must "step in" and perform while Casemiro is sidelined through suspension.

The Brazilian ace was sent off in United's goalless draw with Southampton at the weekend, with Erik ten Hag's side being reduced to 10 men in the 34th minute of their clash. Casemiro was given a four-match suspension due to receiving his second red card of the campaign, one for violent conduct and one for serious foul play.

Casemiro will be missing for United's FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham and Premier League matches against Newcastle, Brentford and Everton. The 31-year-old will return for the clash with Nottingham Forest on April 15.

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While the former Real Madrid man will be missing from domestic action, he is eligible to play in the Europa League and was named in Ten Hag's starting XI for the second-leg clash against Real Betis on Thursday night. Prior to the game, Reds legend Scholes insisted that his suspension provides a great opportunity for the likes of Scott McTominay and Marcel Sabitzer.

"It will be interesting to see how they can go on now without Casemiro in the team," Scholes said on BT Sport. "They have got a decent squad now, [Scott] McTominay or [Marcel] Sabitzer can come into that position, I think now the next few weeks are about handling Casemiro's miss and just making sure the wheels don't fall off what has been a really good season so far."

He added: "I think it has to be a slight worry because without him they haven't been great. As I say, they've got the people now to step in, I think it's a big few weeks for Sabitzer and McTominay to come into this team and really grab it